EFCC FREEZES N3BN TRACED TO FORMER AVIATION MINISTER, HADI SIRIKA

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, quizzed and arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of immediate-past Minister Hadi Sirika over an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Of the contract sum, about N3.2 bn 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 learned that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in charge of the ministry.

According to EFCC investigators, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s MD/CEO and also the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.

The four contracts the ex-minister awarded to his brother that 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 N3.2bn 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.