The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of justice, announcing its intention to prosecute former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over a web of alleged financial misconduct. The charges include money laundering, contract fraud, and his involvement in the ill-fated Nigeria Airproject.
The Allegations
Sirika, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, now finds himself at the center of a storm. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the agency plans to take the former minister to court. “He is going to be charged,” Oyewale stated, emphasizing that the legal proceedings would commence soon.
The investigation into Sirika’s affairs has been meticulous. His tenure as Minister of Aviation was marred by allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering. The staggering sum of N8,069,176,864 is at the heart of these accusations. These funds relate to four aviation contracts awarded to a company called Engirios Nigeria Limited, which, interestingly, is owned by Sirika’s younger brother.
The Nigeria Air Debacle
The Nigeria Air project, once touted as a beacon of national pride, ultimately crashed and burned. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, pulled the plug on the venture, revealing that it was essentially Ethiopian Air flying the Nigerian flag. The EFCC’s investigation into the entire deal further complicated matters for Sirika1.
The Arrest of Abubakar Ahmad Sirika
Three months ago, the EFCC apprehended Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, Hadi Sirika’s brother, on suspicion of contract fraud within the aviation ministry. The investigation led to the revelation that Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar, was at the center of the alleged financial irregularities. The arrest sent shockwaves through political circles, exposing the intricate web of corruption that had ensnared the Sirika family.
Presumption of Innocence
It is essential to remember that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the EFCC’s determination to bring Hadi Sirika to justice underscores the gravity of the allegations against him. As the legal battle unfolds, Nigerians watch with bated breath, hoping for transparency, accountability, and a fair trial.
