EFCC Witness tells court how Nigeria Air was allegedly faked with Ethiopian Aircraft

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Christopher Odofin, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how a foreign aircraft allegedly belonging to Ethiopian Airlines was used in what he described as a staged display for the proposed Nigeria Air project under former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.

Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, gave the account before Justice S.C. Oriji while detailing how the aircraft, bearing Nigeria Air livery, was flown into Abuja on May 27, 2023, just days before the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the aircraft remained in Nigeria for less than 72 hours as part of what the prosecution described as a “static display” before being returned to Addis Ababa on May 29, 2023, the same day the administration handed over power.

He told the court that documents obtained from Ethiopian Airlines showed that the arrangement was strictly a charter agreement for a temporary display of the Nigeria Air branding and not an operational launch of the airline project.

Odofin further read portions of the contract indicating that the aircraft was scheduled to depart Addis Ababa on May 26, arrive in Abuja on May 27, remain on display until May 28, and return on May 29, with Ethiopian crew operating the flight throughout the period.

He also disclosed that EFCC investigations suggested that the arrangement was deliberately timed to coincide with the end of Sirika’s tenure as minister, giving the impression of a completed national carrier project.

The witness told the court that after the display, the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the aircraft was flown back to Ethiopia.

He added that the EFCC had reviewed financial and communication records, including documents and voice notes allegedly linked to approvals for contracts awarded under the Nigeria Air project, including engagements involving Tianaero Nigeria Limited and related entities.

Odofin also stated that a voice note from Sirika, marked as an exhibit, had been tendered in court and was scheduled to be played at the next adjourned hearing.

Justice S.C. Oriji adjourned the case to June 17, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.

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