Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika was arrested yesterday, 23rd of April, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an ongoing N8bn money laundry probe. Earlier this year, The Punch reported that the EFCC was investigating the Aviation Ministry under the former Minister for diversion of public funds, contract inflation, and abuse of office.
The recent probe is to investigate the alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by the former Minister to Engirious Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother Abubakar Sirika. According to the EFCC investigator, reported by The Punch, out of the N8bn, N3.2bn was paid out to Engirious Nigeria Limited and was immediately transferred to different companies and individuals. The full sum was to cover 4 aviation contracts from 2022 to 2023. The projects included the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center at the Katsina Airport, procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, and the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. None of which were fulfilled.
Abubakar Sirika was arrested on February 4th, and has since then been assisting the commission in its investigation. There is a high probability that the former minister will be charged in court for these allegations of fraud.
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