By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa (SIWES Student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the younger sibling of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, on suspicion of corruption related to an ongoing investigation into aviation ministry contract awards.
EFCC alleges that during Hadi Sirika’s tenure, he abused his office, diverting N8,069,176,864 of public funds through four contracts granted to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his brother.
Sources within EFCC claim that Sirika violated regulations by awarding contracts to his brother, knowing he was a civil servant. The contracts involve projects such as a terminal building in Katsina Airport, a fire truck maintenance center, equipment procurement for Aviation House, and an aircraft simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.
The anti-graft agency asserts that funds received by Engirios Nigeria Limited were transferred to various entities without evidence of project completion. Abubakar is providing information about the aviation ministry’s financial activities during his brother’s tenure while in EFCC custody.
Hadi Sirika had previously been summoned by EFCC over the controversial Nigeria Air project, claiming it had consumed N3 billion.
