Hadi Sirika has been arrested by the EFCC over N8 billion Nigeria Air fraud.
Newsone Nigeria reports that Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation under President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged embezzlement of N8 billion linked to the failed Nigeria Air project.
A report monitored on PUNCH Newspaper by Newsone Nigeria says Sirika was taken into custody in connection with an ongoing investigation related to money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.
It was gathered that the Buhari Minister appeared at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command around 1 pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Sirika is currently 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.
“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,” a source revealed,” a source said on the condition of anonymity.
“The N8,069,176,864 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”
Meanwhile, Newsone recalls that the EFCC commenced investigations into the activities of the aviation ministry under Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation in February.
The EFCC is also investigating the activities of the aviation ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
