The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8 billion money laundering case related to Nigeria Air.
Sirika was reportedly taken into custody upon his arrival at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command on Tuesday around 1:00 pm.
According to reports available to Grassroots Parrot, Sirika is being questioned by EFCC investigators concerning suspected fraudulent contracts awarded to a company named Engirios Nigeria Limited, reportedly owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
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The investigation reportedly revolves around allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breaches of trust, and money laundering, amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation.
Abubakar Sirika, listed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Engirios Nigeria Limited, is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s bank accounts in Zenith and Union Banks.
Investigations suggest that contracts worth N3,212,258,930.18 were awarded to Abubakar’s company during his brother’s tenure as Minister, with no evidence of completed work on any of the contracted items.
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This latest arrest comes after Abubakar Sirika was previously held by the EFCC due to transactions into the bank account of Engirios Nigerian Limited, which allegedly involved payments made by the former Minister. Sirika had been detained earlier on Sunday, February 4, as part of the EFCC’s investigation into financial activities within the Aviation Ministry during his tenure.