The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has alleged before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, presented an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines as the proposed Nigeria Air shortly before the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The allegation was made on Wednesday by Christopher Odofin, an investigator with the EFCC and the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial before Justice S.C. Oriji of the FCT High Court.

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According to the witness, investigations conducted by the anti-graft agency revealed that the aircraft displayed during the unveiling of the Nigeria Air project was allegedly owned and operated by Ethiopian Airlines rather than the proposed Nigerian national carrier.

The testimony form part of the EFCC’s case against Sirika and other defendant in relation to matter connected with the Nigeria Air project, which has remained controversial since its unveiling.

Odofin told the court that the commission’s investigation examined documents and transactions related to the establishment of the airline and the event surrounding its public presentation.

The Nigeria Air initiative was introduced as a flagship aviation project intended to establish a new national carrier for Nigeria. However, the project attracted criticism from industry stakeholders and opposition voices who questioned its ownership structure, transparency, and implementation process.

During the court proceedings, the EFCC investigator reportedly outlined findings that the aircraft showcased to the public as part of the Nigeria Air launch was linked to Ethiopian Airlines.

The prosecution maintains that its investigation uncovered details that raised concerns about the presentation of the airline project to Nigerians.

The case is one of several legal matters arising from the implementation of major government projects during the previous administration.

Sirika has previously maintained his position regarding the Nigeria Air initiative, while the court continues to hear evidence from witnesses presented by the prosecution.

Justice Oriji adjourned proceedings for the continuation of trial, as the court considers evidence and testimonies relating to the allegations.

The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the long-debated Nigeria Air project and broader discussions on accountability in public sector initiatives.