The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly arrested Senator Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation, over an ongoing N8 billion money laundering probe of Nigeria Air.
It was gathered that Sirika arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday where, as at thevtime of filing this report, he was being quizzed by the EFCC investigators.
The questioning going on was over alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
Recall that in February 2024, EFCC investigated 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, a media report said.
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 Banksy.
It was gathered that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained 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.
Sirika was arrested Sunday February 4 to assist the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during his tenure.
