The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother Ahmad Sirika, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, over alleged fraudulent transactions totaling over ₦19.4 billion.
These charges relate to various contracts awarded within the aviation ministry to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by Sirika’s younger brother, Abubakar.
The Sirika brothers are scheduled to appear before Justice Belgore at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Garki, Abuja, today (Tuesday).
This marks the second criminal charge against the former aviation minister, following his recent arraignment for a separate ₦2.7 billion fraud last Thursday at the same court.
During last week’s proceedings, Sirika pleaded not guilty to six counts alongside his daughter, Fatimah; son-in-law, Jalal Hamma; and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd. They were granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million each, with the condition of remaining within the country until the case concludes.
According to EFCC sources, Sirika faces a new set of charges involving ₦19.4 billion. The charges allege that Sirika used his position as minister to influence contract awards to Enginos Nigeria Limited, benefiting his brother.
Specifically, one charge accuses Sirika of facilitating the award of a ₦1,345,586,500 contract for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport to his brother’s company in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Further allegations include a ₦3,811,497,685 contract awarded for a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport and another for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and power generators worth ₦615,195,275 at the Aviation House in Abuja.
The EFCC also claims that between August 2022 and May 2023, Sirika had possession of ₦2,337,840,674.16, representing proceeds from these activities.
Prior to these developments, Abubakar Sirika, the ex-minister’s younger brother, was arrested and detained by the EFCC in connection with ₦3,212,258,930.18 transferred to Enginos Nigeria Limited’s bank account by the former minister.
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