EFCC freezes N3b traced to former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika’s brother’s account
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has quizzed and arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, younger brother of the immediate-past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika over an alleged 8.06 billion naira contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Sources close to the EFCC who disclosed this explained that of the contract sum, about 3.2 billion Naira was traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar Sirika who is a Level-16 officer and a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
It was learnt that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother, Hadi Sirika was in charge of the ministry.
According to EFCC investigators, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and also the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.
The four contracts the former Minister awarded to his brother which were not executed are:
– Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1.3bn).
– Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3.8bn);
– Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615m);
– Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2.3bn).
Investigators revealed that there was a payment of 3.2 billion naira out of the total contract sum to Engirios Nigeria Limited and upon the receipt of the payment, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika allegedly transferred it to different companies and individuals.
The investigators also alleged that there’s no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.
The young brother of the former Minister of Aviation who was arrested by Operatives of the EFCC on monday is still in the Anti-graft Agency’s custody answering questions.
