Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering US$6,3 million (R118 million) through various contracts. He is currently being questioned about his alleged connection to the controversial Nigeria Air project.
An anonymous source told punchng.com that the EFCC was investigating Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breaches of trust and money laundering.
The failed launch of Nigeria Air as a national carrier in 2023 has been under investigation for several months, along with the former Minister’s activities, reports simpleflying.com.
Sirika is also said to have awarded four contracts to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Ahmed Sirika. The contracts were for a range of aviation-related developments and assets, including the construction of a terminal at Katsina Airport and the purchase of a simulator.
On April 30, the elder Sirika brother underwent a court inquiry into his connection with the Nigeria Air project, however, the findings have yet to be published.
