The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8 billion money laundering case associated with Nigeria Air.
According to reports, Sirika was brought to the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC around 1:00 pm on Tuesday. The interrogation focuses on suspicions of fraudulent contracts purportedly awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
Notably, in February, the EFCC initiated an inquiry into the activities of the Aviation Ministry during Sirika's tenure. The investigation centers on allegations including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation, amounting to N8,069,176,864.00.
Abubakar Sirika, listed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Engirios Nigeria Limited, is reportedly the sole signatory to the company’s accounts in Zenith and Union Banksy. He was detained by the EFCC due to a transfer of N3,212,258,930.18 to the company's account by the former minister, with no evidence of corresponding work.
Sirika was apprehended on Sunday, February 4, to aid the commission's investigation into financial expenditures within the Aviation Ministry during his tenure.
