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JUST IN: EFCC Nabs Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in N8bn Fraud Probe
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.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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