EFCC arrest ex-aviation minister’s brother over N8 billion fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on the grounds of suspected corruption.

His arrest, which occurred on the 28th of February, is connected to an ongoing investigation into the procurement of contracts in the aviation ministry.

The EFCC alleges that during his tenure as Minister, Hadi Sirika colluded to misuse his office and divert public funds amounting to N8,069,176,864 through four aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother.

Sources within the EFCC allege that Sirika awarded the contracts to his brother, despite knowing that he was a civil servant, thus violating the regulations.

The contracts in question comprise the construction of a terminal building in Katsina Airport, the creation of a fire truck maintenance center, the procurement of equipment for Aviation House, and the purchase of an aircraft simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

The anti-graft agency claims that the first contract from the former Minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was awarded on August 18, 2022, for the construction of a Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.

The second was granted on November 3, 2022, for the creation of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport, with a value of N3.8 billion.

The third contract was awarded on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at a cost of N615 million, while the fourth was granted on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2.2 billion.

It is also alleged that after receiving N3.2 billion from the ministry, Engirios Nigeria Limited transferred the funds to various companies and individuals, with no evidence of work done on any of the contracted projects.

Abubakar is currently in EFCC custody, reportedly providing information about the financial activities of the aviation ministry during his brother’s tenure, according to the source.

Last year, the former minister was summoned to the EFCC’s office concerning the controversial Nigeria Air project, which he alleged had consumed N3 billion.