EFCC Freezes N3bn Traced to Hadi Sirika’s Brother’s Account
POLITICS DIGEST – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned and arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of Hadi Sirika, the immediate-past Minister, over an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
About N3.2 billion of the contract was traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar Sirika, who is a Level-16 officer and a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
Four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in the ministry.
EFCC investigators say Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s MD/CEO and the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.
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The four contracts the ex-minister awarded to his brother which were not executed are:
– Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1.3bn).
– Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3.8bn);
– Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615m);
– Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2.3bn).
Investigators revealed a payment of N3.2bn out of the total contract sum to Engirios Nigeria Limited. Upon receipt of the payment, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika allegedly transferred it to different companies and individuals.
The investigators also alleged that a trace of work needs to be done on any of the contract items to date.