The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering scheme.

Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command at approximately 1:00 pm on Tuesday to answer questions regarding fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.

Sources within the EFCC revealed that the commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under Sirika’s tenure for various offenses, including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breaches of trust, and money laundering. The alleged fraudulent activities are said to have taken place during Sirika’s time in office.

The investigation has uncovered that Hadi Sirika awarded four aviation contracts, totaling N8,069,176,864.00, to Engirios Nigeria Limited, despite the fact that his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, is a civil servant serving as a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. Abubakar Sirika, who is listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, is also the sole signatory to the company’s Zenith and Union Bank accounts.

Abubakar Sirika was arrested on Sunday, February 4, and has been assisting the EFCC in their probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during his brother’s tenure. Out of the total contract sum, N3,212,258,930.18 was paid to Engirios Nigeria Limited, which Abubakar then transferred to various companies and individuals. To date, there is no evidence of work completed on any of the contracted items.

The four contracts in question include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, the 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.

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