EFCC arrests, detains Hadi Sirika over N8 billion Nigeria Air scandal

The former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged misappropriation of N8 billion related to the failed Nigeria Air project.

Sirika was apprehended as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering involving a substantial sum of N8,069,176,864.00, as reported by Allnews.ng.

He presented himself at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Earlier in February, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of Hadi Sirika and a former Aviation Minister, was also arrested by EFCC operatives over alleged money laundering related to his brother’s tenure in office.

During his time as minister, Sirika is accused of various offenses including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering, totaling N8,069,176,864.

The EFCC alleges that this amount corresponds to payments made for four aviation contracts awarded by the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar.

Furthermore, the EFCC states that Abubakar not only serves as the Managing Director/CEO of the company but also acts as the sole signatory to its two bank accounts held in Zenith and Union banks.