The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Hadi Sirika, the former minister of aviation, over an alleged embezzlement of N8 billion linked to the failed Nigeria Air project.
The ex-minister was taken into custody in connection with an ongoing investigation related to money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864. Sirika made an appearance at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source who pleaded anonymity revealed.
“The N8,069,176,864 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”
Recall that in February, the EFCC commenced investigations into the activities of the aviation ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
The EFCC is also investigating the activities of the aviation ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
Sources within the EFCC revealed that the former minister allegedly awarded contracts to his younger brother, despite knowing that he is a civil servant, holding the position of deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources since 2000.
The first of these controversial contracts was granted on August 18, 2022, for the construction of a Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, with a value of N1,345,586,500. The second contract, awarded on
November 3, 2022, was for the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport, costing N3.8 billion.
Following these, on February 3, 2023, another contract was issued for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, priced at N615 million. Subsequently, on May 5, 2023, a contract was awarded for the procurement of Magnus Aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, totalling N2.2 billion.
According to the source, out of the total contract sum of N3.2 billion paid to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by the former minister’s brother, the funds were subsequently transferred to various companies and individuals. However, as of now, there is no evidence of any work being carried out on any of the contracted items.
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