JUST-IN: EFCC Arrests Ex-Minister Sirika Over Alleged N8bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika over the botched Nigeria Air project.

The former minister, who is a subject of an ongoing N8, 069,176,864.00 money laundering probe arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday.

EFCC sources who confirmed the arrest, said the embattled former minister is currently been drilled at the EFCC office in Wuse 2, Abuja.

“Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is met with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika,” the source said.

He further said, “Hadi Sirika was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud.

“The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

The EFCC had in February, 2024, opened investigation into the activities of the aviation ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Sirika is also being queried over alleged criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during his tenure in office.

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts approved by the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar.