Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering scheme amounting to N8,069,176,864.00. Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command in Abuja around 1:00 pm on Tuesday for questioning regarding purportedly fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
Sources within the EFCC, speaking anonymously, confirmed Sirika’s arrest and subsequent interrogation regarding the alleged contract fraud involving his brother’s company. It is alleged that during Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister, contracts totaling the aforementioned amount were awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited without proper justification or execution of the projects.
The investigation focuses on several infractions, including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breaches of trust, and money laundering. Abubakar Sirika, identified as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Engirios Nigeria Limited, has also been implicated in the scheme and is currently assisting the EFCC with its inquiries.
The contracts in question, awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, procurement and installation of equipment in Aviation House, Abuja, and the acquisition of aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. Despite substantial payments made to Engirios Nigeria Limited, no evidence of work completion has been found.
Abubakar Sirika, who is also a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has been detained by the EFCC for his involvement in the financial transactions linked to his brother’s tenure as Aviation Minister. Both brothers are being probed for their roles in the alleged misappropriation of public funds and improper awarding of contracts within the aviation sector.
