EFCC Levels New Charges: Ex-Aviation Minister, Brother Accused In ₦19 Billion Fraud Case

EFCC Levels New Charges: Ex-Aviation Minister, Brother Accused In ₦19 Billion Fraud Case....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lodged charges against former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, his sibling Ahmad Sirika, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, concerning purported fraudulent dealings surpassing ₦19.4 billion. According to Naija News, these accusations revolve around multiple contracts granted within the aviation ministry to Enginos Nigeria Limited, a firm owned by Sirika’s younger brother, Abubakar.

The Sirika brothers are set for arraignment before Justice Belgore at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Garki, Abuja, today (Tuesday).

This constitutes the second criminal charge the EFCC has brought against the former aviation minister, following his recent arraignment for a separate ₦2.7 billion fraud last Thursday at the same court.

During the previous week’s proceedings, Sirika was charged on six counts alongside his daughter, Fatimah; son-in-law, Jalal Hamma; and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd. Despite pleading not guilty, Justice Sylvanus Oriji granted them bail in the sum of ₦100 million each, contingent upon their staying within the country until the case’s conclusion.

According to insiders at the EFCC speaking to Punch Newspaper, Sirika faces a second set of charges involving a substantial ₦19.4 billion. The charges allege that Sirika exploited his ministerial position to unfairly influence contract awards to Enginos Nigeria Limited, benefiting his brother.

One specific charge outlines that on August 18, 2022, Sirika facilitated the award of a ₦1,345,586,500 contract for constructing a terminal building at Katsina Airport to his brother’s company, purportedly violating Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Further allegations include a ₦3,811,497,685 contract awarded on November 3, 2022, to establish a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport, and another for procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and power generators worth ₦615,195,275 at the Aviation House in Abuja.

Additionally, the EFCC asserts that between August 2022 and May 2023, Sirika was in possession of ₦2,337,840,674.16, allegedly representing proceeds from these illicit activities.

Prior to these events, Abubakar Sirika, the ex-minister’s younger brother, was arrested and detained by the EFCC in connection to ₦3,212,258,930.18 transferred to Enginos Nigerian Limited’s bank account by the former minister.

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