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Court Grants N100m Bail To Sirika, Daughter In N2.7bn Fraud Case

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Former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatimah Hadi Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, secured bail from the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

This follows their indictment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their alleged involvement in a N2.7bn fraud tied to the Nigerian Air project.

The defendants, including Sirika and his family members, vehemently denied the charges during their appearance before Justice Sylvanus Orji, who granted them bail pending further legal proceedings.

Recall that Sirika faces a 6-count amended criminal charge before Justice Oriji, where the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, presented an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7 and filed on May 8.

This amendment was unopposed by the defendants’ counsel. Lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN), representing Sirika, submitted his client’s bail application dated May 6 during the proceedings.

The remaining defendants also filed their bail applications, urging the court for leniency in setting the bail terms.

Prosecutor Jacobs highlighted that all defendants were on administrative bail and requested bail conditions ensuring their presence for trial.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Orji granted bail to each defendant in the amount of ₦100 million, requiring two sureties for each.

Furthermore, the judge stipulated that one surety must possess a landed property with valid land titles within the Federal Capital Territory.

Additionally, the sureties must provide an affidavit of means..

The defendants were restricted from leaving the country without the court’s permission, with the consequence of non-compliance being detention in a correctional facility.

He said, “I admit the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendant to bail in the sum of 100 million each with 2 sureties of like sum.

“One of the sureties must have a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory. The defendants must not travel outside the country.

“Any of them who is unable to fulfil the bail conditions will be remanded in the correctional centre.” he added

The trial dates were set for June 10th, 11th, and 20th, marking the next steps in the legal proceedings.

NEWS

Viral Bus Attack Report Is False – Kano Police

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The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.

“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.

READ ALSO: Billions Lost As Fire Razes Kano Market, Recycling Hub

He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.

“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.

The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.

 

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JUST IN: Shawwal Crescent Sighted, Eid al-Fitr Set For Sunday

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Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”

READ MORE: Troops Thwart Terror Plot During Eid-El-Kabir Celebrations In Kaduna

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.

With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.

Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.

 

 

 

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IMF Appoints Tony Elumelu To Global Advisory Council

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has named Tony Elumelu, Founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, to its newly formed Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.

The council, convened by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, is tasked with addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and shaping policies that foster innovation, resource allocation, and private sector-led economic expansion.

A statement confirming Elumelu’s appointment was released on Friday, highlighting his influence as a strong advocate for entrepreneurship in Africa.

READ ALSO: Tony Elumelu Marks Daughter’s Birthday

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has provided funding, mentorship, and training to over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, championing the belief that private sector investments can drive the continent’s economic transformation.

“Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking,” the statement noted.

The IMF Advisory Council comprises global leaders from business, finance, and academia, including: Marc Benioff, CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander, Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, Robert Smith, Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, HRH Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S.,  Federico Sturzenegger, Argentine Minister of Deregulation and Professor Ufuk Akcigit, Economist, University of Chicago.

At the council’s inaugural meeting on March 26, 2025, Georgieva emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in economic growth.

“The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth,” she stated.

 

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