EFCC Investigates Former Aviation Minister’s Brother for Alleged N8 Billion Contract Fraud

Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Arrested on Sunday, February 4, Abubakar is suspected to have been awarded contracts by his brother during the ex-minister’s tenure. The EFCC probe encompasses allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.

Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar, has come under scrutiny, with N3,212,258,930.18 traced to the company. Abubakar, a Level-16 officer and deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, allegedly received four substantial contracts during his brother’s ministry leadership.

The contracts in question include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport, procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners, and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja, and procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

An EFCC source revealed, “Four contracts, worth about N8,069,176,864.00, were uncovered, with no evidence of execution. Investigations indicate that after receiving N3,212,258,930.18, Abubakar allegedly transferred funds to various entities without completing any contract work.”

The arrest of Abubakar Sirika provides the EFCC with an opportunity to delve into the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry during his brother’s tenure, shedding light on potential irregularities between August 2022 and May 2023.