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JUST IN: EFCC Nabs Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in N8bn Fraud Probe
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 fraud case. This development comes amidst a growing probe into corruption within the aviation sector.
Sirika, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, was arrested at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday. Punch correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, confirmed the former minister’s arrival at the agency’s office in Abuja. He is currently undergoing questioning related to allegations of fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure.
According to confidential sources within the EFCC, Sirika is facing allegations related to fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. The contracts, totaling over N8 billion, cover a range of projects within the aviation sector, including construction, maintenance, and procurement.
The contracts under investigation include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, and the procurement and installation of equipment for Aviation House in Abuja. The EFCC is also examining the contract for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
Abubakar Sirika, the younger brother of Hadi Sirika, was previously arrested and detained by the commission. He is the sole signatory to Engirios Nigeria Limited’s accounts and is believed to have played a significant role in the alleged fraud scheme. The EFCC is investigating a transfer of N3,212,258,930.18 to the company’s bank accounts, with no trace of completed work related to the awarded contracts.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation during Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation. The EFCC’s continued efforts to combat corruption in high-profile cases are being closely watched, and this arrest is likely to attract significant public attention.
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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.
Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.
He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.
In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.
He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.
He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.
In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.
Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”
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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag
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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.
There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.
Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.
The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.
Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.
It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.
“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation
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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-234433.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.
This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.
The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.
Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.
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