The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering.
Punch reports that Sirika arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23.
Sirika is said to be meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
A source who confirmed the development, said; “Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud”.
Another disclosed; “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”
It may be recalled that the minister’s younger sibling Abubakar Sirika had been questioned over his connection to the alleged fraudulent activity.
An EFCC investigator had said; “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.
“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”
