The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation over an ongoing N8 billion money laundering probe of Nigeria Air.
Sirika who arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC is being investigated over alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
Recall that, in February, EFCC investigated the activities of the Aviation Ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864:00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.
Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Bank.
Sirika was arrested on February 4 to assist the Commission in its query of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during his tenure.
The ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, is also under detention by the Commission in connection with N3,212,258,930:18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.
It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.
