The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the younger brother of former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, on suspicion of corruption.
The arrest, which took place on Sunday, is linked to an ongoing investigation into the awarding of aviation ministry contracts.
EFCC alleges that while Hadi Sirika served as minister, he conspired to abuse his office and divert public funds totaling N8,069,176,864.
This allegedly occurred through four aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother.
Sources within the EFCC alleged that Sirika awarded the contracts to his brother, despite knowing he was a civil servant, violating the regulations
The contracts included the construction of a terminal building in Katsina Airport, establishment of a fire truck maintenance center, procurement of equipment for Aviation House, and purchase of an aircraft simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.
The anti-graft agency said the first contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022 for the construction of terminal building in Katsina Airport, at the cost of N1,345,586,500.
The second was awarded on November 3, 2022 for the establishment of fire truck maintenance and refurbishment centre in Katsina Airport, valued at N3.8 billion.
The third contract was on February 3, 2023 for the procurement and instalment of lifts, air conditioners and power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615 million while the fourth was awarded 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.
The source also claimed 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 completed on any of the contracted projects.
Abubakar is currently in EFCC custody, reportedly providing information about the financial activities of the aviation ministry under his brother’s tenure, the source added.
Last year, the former minister was also summoned to the EFCC office over the controversial Nigeria Air project, which he claimed had allegedly gulped N3 billion
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