Toba Owojaiye, Reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has freezed a substantial sum of N3 billion linked to the brother of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.
Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of the ex-minister, was arrested and questioned regarding an alleged contract fraud totaling N8.06 billion within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Investigations have revealed that Abubakar Sirika, a Level-16 officer in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is the owner of Engirios Nigeria Limited, which received approximately N3.2 billion from the contract sum.
Truth Live News gathered that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in charge of the ministry.
These contracts include projects such as constructing a terminal building and establishing a fire truck maintenance center at Katsina Airport, procurement and installation of equipment at Aviation House in Abuja, and acquiring aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria.
Despite the substantial payments made to Engirios Nigeria Limited, no evidence of work completed was found on any of the contracted projects.
Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, listed as the company’s Managing Director and CEO, allegedly transferred the received funds to various entities, indicating potential financial impropriety and diversion of funds.
Reacting to the development, Netizens praised President Tinubu’s administration for taking proactive measures to hold present and past public officials accountable and charged him to do more without fear or favour.