EFCC grills ex- Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika over alleged N8b Nigeria Air fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has invited a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over alleged N8.06 billion money laundering.
A reliable source from the commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the former minister was at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday.
Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on the alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Ltd., allegedly owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
The anti-graft commission is investigating the former minister over alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
Others are criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to over N8.06 billion during his tenure as minister.
The sum is said to be payment made for four aviation contracts to the company.
Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar was said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banks.
It was gathered that the ex-minister’s younger brother, was also arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3.21 billion allegedly paid to Engirios Nigerian ltd., during Sirika’s tenure.
It was alleged that no trace of work was seen on any of the contract items to date.
