Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00.
Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, where he is currently being questioned by investigators regarding fraudulent contracts awarded to a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
The investigation, which also involves his brother, centers on contracts awarded by the Aviation Ministry during Sirika’s tenure, with allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
Abubakar Sirika, a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has been detained by the EFCC for his alleged involvement in the scheme.
The contracts in question include projects such as the construction of a terminal building, establishment of a fire truck maintenance center, procurement of lifts and air conditioners, and the purchase of aircraft and simulators.
Abubakar Sirika is assisting the EFCC with further details on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry during his brother’s tenure.
The EFCC continues its probe into the matter, aiming to unravel the extent of corruption within the Aviation Ministry and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
