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Nigeria Air: EFCC arrests ex-aviation minister, Sirika over N8bn fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has
arrested Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation under former President Muhammadu
Buhari’s administration 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.
Sirika is currently being quizzed by the EFCC investigators
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, EFCC investigated the activities
of the Aviation Ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office,
diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
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.