In a recent development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken action by freezing an account connected to Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of former minister Hadi Sirika. This move comes amidst an investigation into an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
According to reports from The Nation, the EFCC disclosed this development subsequent to the apprehension of Abubakar Sirika on suspicions of contract fraud amounting to approximately N3.2 billion, which were traced back to his private company, Engirios Nigeria Limited. Notably, Abubakar Sirika holds a Level-16 position and serves as a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
It has been uncovered that during his brother’s tenure as minister, Abubakar’s company, Engirios Nigeria Limited, secured four significant contracts. However, investigations suggest that these contracts, totaling N8.06 billion, were not fulfilled. The contracts include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport, procurement and installation projects in Aviation House, Abuja, and the procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is identified as the Managing Director/CEO of Engirios Nigeria Limited and the sole signatory to the company’s accounts held with two banks. Furthermore, it’s alleged that upon receiving a payment of N3.2 billion for the contracts, he diverted the funds to various entities and individuals without any evidence of work completed on the contracted projects.
Notably, Hadi Sirika, who served as the Minister of Aviation for Nigeria under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has faced scrutiny previously, particularly in relation to the Nigeria Air scandal.
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