The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has leveled charges of over N19.4bn fraud against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother Ahmad Sirika, and their company Enginos Nigeria Limited.
The sum in question pertains to various aviation ministry contracts allegedly awarded by the former minister to Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar.
The trio – the Sirika brothers and Enginos Nigeria Limited – are scheduled to appear before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Garki, Abuja, today (Tuesday).
This marks the second criminal charge filed by the EFCC against the former aviation minister. Just last Thursday, Sirika was arraigned for N2.7bn fraud before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, along with his daughter, Fatimah; brother-in-law, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd.
In the fresh charges, the EFCC alleges that Hadi Sirika, while serving as Minister of Aviation, utilized his position to confer undue advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by his brother Ahmad Abubakar Sirika. The charges specify instances where Sirika allegedly influenced the award of contracts to the company.
The EFCC contends that these actions by Sirika violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Among the charges, Sirika is accused of influencing the award of contracts for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport, establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport, and procurement and installation of lift, air conditioners, and power generators for the Aviation House in Abuja.
The EFCC also alleges that Sirika was in possession of funds indirectly representing proceeds of criminal activities during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
It’s worth noting that Hadi Sirika’s younger brother, Abubakar, had previously been arrested and detained by the EFCC in connection with substantial sums transferred to Enginos Nigeria Limited’s bank account by the former minister.
