EFCC Arrests Ex-Aviation Minister's Brother for N8 Billion Fraud in Aviation Ministry Contracts

Read Time:2 Minute, 11 Second

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against corruption with the arrest of Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the younger brother of former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika. The arrest, which occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2024; is linked to an ongoing investigation into the awarding of aviation ministry contracts.

According to the EFCC, Hadi Sirika, while serving as the aviation minister, allegedly conspired to abuse his office and divert public funds totaling N8,069,176,864. The funds were allegedly diverted through four aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother Abubakar.

The contracts in question include the construction of a terminal building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of a fire truck maintenance center, the procurement of equipment for Aviation House, and the purchase of an aircraft simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

The EFCC alleges that the former minister awarded these contracts to his brother’s company despite knowing that Abubakar was a civil servant, thereby violating regulations and abusing his position of authority.

The anti-graft agency revealed that the first contract, awarded on August 18, 2022, was for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, with a value of N1,345,586,500. The second contract, awarded on November 3, 2022, was for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport, worth N3.8 billion.

Furthermore, the third contract, awarded on February 3, 2023, involved the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, with a cost of N615 million. The fourth contract, awarded on May 5, 2023, was for the procurement of Magnus Aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, valued at N2.2 billion.

The EFCC claims 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 Ahmad Sirika is currently in EFCC custody, where he is reportedly cooperating with investigators and providing information about the financial activities of the aviation ministry during his brother’s tenure.

It is worth noting that Hadi Sirika was previously summoned to the EFCC office last year over the controversial Nigeria Air project, which he claimed had allegedly consumed N3 billion. This recent arrest further adds to the legal challenges faced by the former aviation minister. The EFCC continues its efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and the prosecution of those involved in fraudulent activities within the public sector.