In a stunning turn of events, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged embezzlement scandal amounting to over ₦8 billion, linked to the Nigerian Air project.
Sirika, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s aviation sector, was taken into custody by EFCC officials at the Federal Capital Territory Command, following an ongoing investigation into money laundering activities reportedly totaling N8,069,176,864.00.
The former minister arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, where he was immediately subjected to questioning by EFCC investigators. The focus of the interrogation centers on purportedly fraudulent contracts sanctioned by Sirika during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
Of particular concern are contracts awarded to a company named Engirios Nigeria Limited, allegedly owned by Sirika’s younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. The EFCC is scrutinizing the nature of these contracts and the financial transactions associated with them, as part of their broader probe into corruption within the aviation sector.
The arrest of Hadi Sirika marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial malpractice in Nigeria. It underscores the government’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency and integrity in governance.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits further updates from the EFCC regarding the outcome of Sirika’s questioning and any subsequent legal proceedings that may follow.
