The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh eight-count charge against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother Ahmad Sirika, and his company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, over an alleged ₦19.4 billion fraud.
The charges pertain to several aviation ministry contracts awarded to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by Sirika’s younger brother, Abubakar.
The Sirika brothers and Enginos Nigeria Limited are scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Garki, Abuja.
According to the EFCC, Hadi Sirika, while serving as Minister of Aviation, used his position to confer an unfair advantage on Enginos Nigeria Limited. One charge alleges that on August 18, 2022, Sirika influenced the award of a ₦1,345,586,500 contract for constructing a terminal building at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, violating Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Another charge claims that on November 3, 2022, Sirika used his position to award a ₦3,811,497,685 contract to the same company for establishing a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport. Additionally, Sirika is accused of awarding a ₦615,195,275 contract to his brother for procuring and installing lifts, air conditioners, and power generators for the Aviation House in Abuja.
The EFCC further alleges that between August 2022 and May 2023, Sirika had possession of an aggregate sum of ₦2,337,840,674.16, which he knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal conduct.
More details to follow as the case develops.
