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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing money laundering probe.
The former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH reports.
Sirika is currently being interrogated by EFCC investigators on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
The medium quoted sources as saying Sirika was being investigated for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.
“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.
Another source said: “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”
The former minister is also being investigated for criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during his tenure in office.
The sum was said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother, Abubakar.