EFCC nabs Sirika over N8bn Nigeria Air fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation of N8,069,176,864.00.

According to a news report, the indicted former Minister of Aviation appeared at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Our correspondent, who was at the EFCC’s Wuse office, saw the troubled former minister arrive at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.

The ex-minister is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions about alleged fraudulent contracts issued to Engirios Nigeria Limited, which is owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

On Tuesday, impeccable anti-graft sources verified the situation for our correspondent under the condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to speak.

“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 revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

Chronicle NG reported in February that the EFCC was probing the Aviation Ministry’s operations under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of power, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A reputable source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday said that the anti-graft commission is looking into the Aviation Ministry’s actions for conspiracy, misuse of power, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others include criminal breaches of trust and money laundering totaling N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s term in office.

The fund is reported to be for four aviation contracts awarded by the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited, which is owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

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