EFCC Freezes N3 Billion Linked to Former Minister Hadi Sirika's Brother

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Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Abubakar, suspected of being awarded a contract by his brother during his tenure as minister, was arrested on Sunday, February 4, as part of the ongoing investigation into fraudulent practices in the ministry.

The EFCC is investigating allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.

According to The Nation, N3,212,258,930.18 has been traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar, who holds a Level-16 position and serves as a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. Four significant contracts were awarded to Abubakar's company, Engirios Nigeria Limited, during his brother's tenure.

Abubakar Sirika, listed as the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, is also the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.

The contracts awarded to him include:

1. Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1,345,586,500.00)
2. Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3,811,497,685.00)
3. Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners, and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615,195,275.00)
4. Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2,296,897,404.00)

The EFCC's investigation revealed that four contracts, totaling about N8,069,176,864.00, were not executed. Additionally, a payment of N3,212,258,930.18 was made to Abubakar's company, Engirios Nigeria Limited, with no evidence of work being done on any of the contract items to date.

Following these findings, Abubakar was arrested and detained by the EFCC. He provided the commission with additional information regarding the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry during his brother's tenure.

The contract awards and payments occurred between August 2022 and May 2023.