The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for an ongoing probe of the controversial Nigeria Air project.
Sirika arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, according to a report by THE PUNCH.
A source quoted by the newspaper said: “Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who 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.”
Sirika is 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.
In February, the EFCC opened investigation into the activities of the Federal Ministry of Aviation under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
Sirika was also investigated for criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00.
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 banks.
Abubakar was arrested on Sunday, February 4 and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to the company, Engirios Nigerian Limited by the former minister.
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