THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over alleged N8.06billion money laundering.
It was gathered that the former minister was at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the EFCC about 1:00 pm on Tuesday on invitation and was subsequently detained after meeting with the agency’s investigators to answer questions on the alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, allegedly owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
The Commission is investigating the former minister over alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to over N8.06billion during his tenure as minister.
The amount is said to be payment made for four aviation contracts to Engirios Nigeria Limited, where apart from being listed as its managing director and chief executive officer, Abubakar was said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts with Zenith Bank Plc and Union Bank Plc.
It was further gathered that Abubakar was also arrested and detained by the Commission in connection with N3.21billion allegedly paid to Engirios Nigerian Limited during Sirika’s tenure, with no trace of work seen on any of the contract items up to the time of his arrest.
