Former Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika, has spent his second consecutive night in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody as investigations continue into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.
Sources within the EFCC, who requested anonymity due to the matter’s sensitivity, confirmed that Sirika is being questioned about the controversial Nigeria Air project, which has raised concerns nationwide.
The probe aims to unravel the failed project’s circumstances and the extent of financial mismanagement involved.
“The interrogators are also probing Mr. Sirika over the controversial Nigeria Air project that failed. Though the commission is yet to uncover the total amount that was expended on the project, however, investigation is ongoing, and Sirika would be arraigned in court next week as charges are being prepared against him,” a source told Punch.
Another source disclosed, “The former Minister of Aviation is still with us. Sirika slept over here at our FCT Command on Tuesday night, and he’s still with us this Wednesday night, as he’s still being grilled by interrogators.”
The EFCC had earlier revealed alleged fraudulent practices within the Aviation Ministry under Sirika’s tenure, including awarding contracts to companies, one of which reportedly belongs to his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command on Tuesday afternoon and has since been undergoing intensive questioning regarding his involvement in the alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his sibling.
The former minister’s detention follows mounting pressure and scrutiny surrounding his tenure as Aviation Minister, particularly regarding the Nigeria Air project and the allocation of contracts.
