The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed a freeze on an account belonging to Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of former Minister Hadi Sirika, amidst allegations of an N8.06 billion contract fraud within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
This action follows the arrest of Abubakar Sirika by the anti-graft agency in connection with contract irregularities totaling approximately N3.2 billion linked to his private company, Engirios Nigeria Limited, as reported by GNBNEWS.
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Abubakar Sirika, who also holds the position of a Level-16 officer and deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is under scrutiny for his involvement in four major contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited during his brother’s tenure at the ministry.
According to EFCC investigators, 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.
The former minister awarded four contracts to his brother, none of which were executed. These contracts include: the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport worth N1.3 billion; the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport valued at N3.8 billion; the procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners, and a power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja, costing N615 million; and the procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, totaling N2.3 billion.
Investigators uncovered that N3.2 billion out of the total contract sum was paid to Engirios Nigeria Limited. Following the payment, it is alleged that he transferred the funds to various companies and individuals.
The investigators also alleged that no trace of work had been done on any of the contract items to date.
Hadi Sirika was the substantive Minister of Aviation for Nigeria after former President Buhari Muhammadu was re-elected in 2019 but was minister of State in 2015.
Sirika was also associated with the now infamous Nigeria Air scandal.
