The former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been detained for a second consecutive night at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations into an alleged N8.07 billion money laundering case intensify.
Sirika is under scrutiny concerning a series of fraudulent contracts and the failed Nigeria Air project, which has caused significant public outcry.
Sources within the EFCC, who chose to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak publicly, told Punch that Sirika was rigorously questioned over his involvement in the controversial Nigeria Air initiative.
“The interrogators are probing Mr. Sirika over the Nigeria Air project that failed. Although the total amount expended on the project has not yet been determined, the investigation is ongoing, and Sirika is expected to be arraigned in court next week,” one source explained.
Sirika, who spent Tuesday and Wednesday night at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command, is also accused of awarding several questionable contracts to two companies, one of which, Engirios Nigeria Limited, is reportedly owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
The EFCC had previously uncovered evidence suggesting that the Aviation Ministry under Sirika had engaged in multiple acts of corruption involving substantial sums of money.
This probe follows a series of investigations by the anti-graft agency into various sectors under the former minister’s tenure.
