Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother, Ahmad Sirika have pleaded not guilty to an alleged contract fraud worth N19.4 billion.
News About Nigeria reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned the duo and a company owned by Abubakar, Enginos Nigeria Limited, on an amended 10-count charge bordering on contract fraud.
Sirika is accused of abusing his office by awarding contracts to his brother’s company, Enginos Nigeria Limited.
The EFCC had detained Sirika on April 23 before arraigning him alongside his brother and the company on May 18. The arraignment was initially stalled on May 14 when the defendants failed to appear in court.
Sirika also standing trial on another six-count charge bordering on the same offenses.
He was arraigned on May 9 alongside his daughter, Fatima; son-in-law, Jalal Hamma; and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, over an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud. All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N100 million each.
According to the EFCC investigator, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.
“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.
“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.
“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.
“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”
The former aviation minister served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
The case has sparked interest in the country, with many calling for accountability and transparency in government. The EFCC has been commended for its efforts in tackling corruption and ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
As the case continues, many are eager to see how it will unfold and whether Sirika and his brother will be found guilty of the alleged offences. The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption in the country.
In a country where corruption has been a major challenge, the case against Sirika and his brother is seen as a test of the country’s commitment to tackling the menace. The EFCC has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, and its efforts have led to the conviction of many high-profile individuals.
As the case continues, many are calling for a speedy and fair trial, and for justice to be served. The outcome of the case is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s fight against corruption and its efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in government.
