Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicion of involvement in a $6.3 million fraud case. The investigation centers around fraudulent contracts awarded to a company owned by Sirika's brother, Abubakar Sirika, and also includes scrutiny of the Nigeria Air project, a proposed national carrier.
By Avinash VJ
Sirika's arrest follows a prolonged investigation into contracts allegedly awarded to his brother's company, Engirios Nigeria Limited. These contracts, totaling millions of dollars, were purportedly awarded without proper due diligence and remain incomplete to date. The former minister's brother had previously been arrested in connection with the case and has been assisting authorities with their inquiries.
The Nigeria Air project, which aimed to launch a national carrier, has also come under scrutiny due to allegations of non-transparency and irregularities. President Bola Tinubu's administration, upon assuming office, suspended the project pending the resolution of these issues. Festus Keyamo, the newly appointed Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed ongoing investigations into the project's dealings and criticized the involvement of Ethiopian Airlines, questioning its suitability for Nigerian interests.
The arrest of Sirika underscores the government's commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within the aviation sector. As investigations continue, the fate of the Nigeria Air project remains uncertain, with authorities prioritizing transparency and integrity in future aviation initiatives.
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