Hadi Sirika
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, in connection with an ongoing N8 billion money laundering investigation related to Nigeria Air.
Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command around 1:00 pm on Tuesday. He is currently under questioning by EFCC investigators regarding alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
In February, the EFCC investigated the Aviation Ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
The investigation includes allegations of criminal breaches of trust and money laundering totaling N8,069,176,864 during Sirika’s tenure.
Abubakar Sirika, listed as the Managing Director and CEO of Engirios Nigeria Limited, was also arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 that his company received from the former minister.
Reports suggest that no evidence of work done on any of the contract items has been found to date.
Sirika was initially arrested on Sunday, February 4, to assist the commission in its investigation of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during his time in office.
