JUST IN: EFCC Arrests Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in N8bn Fraud Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 fraud case. This development comes amidst a growing probe into corruption within the aviation sector.

Sirika, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, was arrested at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday. Punch correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, confirmed the former minister’s arrival at the agency’s office in Abuja. He is currently undergoing questioning related to allegations of fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure.

According to confidential sources within the EFCC, Sirika is facing allegations related to fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. The contracts, totaling over N8 billion, cover a range of projects within the aviation sector, including construction, maintenance, and procurement.

The contracts under investigation include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, and the procurement and installation of equipment for Aviation House in Abuja. The EFCC is also examining the contract for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

Abubakar Sirika, the younger brother of Hadi Sirika, was previously arrested and detained by the commission. He is the sole signatory to Engirios Nigeria Limited’s accounts and is believed to have played a significant role in the alleged fraud scheme. The EFCC is investigating a transfer of N3,212,258,930.18 to the company’s bank accounts, with no trace of completed work related to the awarded contracts.

As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation during Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation. The EFCC’s continued efforts to combat corruption in high-profile cases are being closely watched, and this arrest is likely to attract significant public attention.