In a startling development, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged embezzlement scandal linked to the Nigerian Air project.
Sirika, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s aviation sector, was taken into custody by EFCC officials at the Federal Capital Territory Command as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering activities reportedly totaling over ₦8 billion.
Arriving at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, Sirika was immediately subjected to questioning by EFCC investigators. The focus of the interrogation centers on purportedly fraudulent contracts sanctioned by Sirika during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
Of particular interest are contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, purportedly owned by Sirika’s younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. The EFCC is closely examining the nature of these contracts and the financial transactions associated with them, as part of their broader probe into corruption within the aviation sector.
The arrest of Hadi Sirika signifies a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial malpractice in Nigeria. It underscores the government’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency and integrity in governance.
As the investigation progresses, the nation awaits further updates from the EFCC regarding the outcome of Sirika’s questioning and any subsequent legal proceedings that may ensue. This development marks a crucial step towards fostering accountability and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s governance structures.