“Even prophets went to prison”– Ex-minister, Sirika speaks on his alleged fraud case

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has compared his trial to that of prophet.

Recall that the former minister is facing trial for an alleged ₦7.2 billion fraud.

While reacting after his trial on Thursday he expressed his readiness to go to prison, drawing a comparison to the prophets.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused the former minister, his daughter, son-in-law, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited of fraud in connection with the botched Nigerian Air project.

Sirika, along with his daughter and three others, were arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Orij.

In a video on X, the ex-minister was reportedly seen comforting his daughter in court, saying, “It’s okay. Fatima, it’s okay.

“Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those that went, haven’t they finished theirs already?…whatever Allah says.”

Meanwhile, the court granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties each.

The sureties, according to the court, must have landed properties in Abuja and also responsible citizens.

Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. The court also restricted the defendants from travelling abroad without its permission.

Justice Oriji ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody if they failed to meet their bail conditions.