EFCC To Arraign Buhari’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, Three Others Over Alleged N2.7Billion Fraud

Indications have emerged that all is set for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arraign former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, Fatimah, and two other suspects in court on Thursday.

It was learnt that the commission is charging them for alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud uncovered in the aviation ministry under Sirika and during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

It was reported that the embattled former minister will be arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Sirika is billed to appear in court with three co-defendants, his daughter, Fatima; one Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, on charges of abusing their positions to launder over N2.7 billion.

Recall that EFCC arrested Hadi Sirika in April over the same allegation, and was grilled about alleged fraudulent contracts he authorised for a company called Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that the EFCC was investigating the controversial Nigeria Air deal sealed by Sirika.

The minister said, “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”