The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother, Ahmad Sirika, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, alleging fraud amounting to over N19.4 billion. The charges stem from contracts awarded by Hadi Sirika to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by his brother, Abubakar.
The EFCC alleges that Hadi Sirika used his position as Minister of Aviation to confer an unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited, by influencing the award of contracts to the company. These contracts include the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport and the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre, among others.
Sirika's actions are said to violate the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The EFCC also alleges that Sirika had possession of funds that indirectly represented proceeds of criminal conduct. Abubakar Sirika, the younger brother, was previously arrested in connection with payments made to Enginos Nigeria Limited's bank account.
The charges against Hadi Sirika, his brother, and their company are part of the EFCC's efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The accused are set to be arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, and if found guilty, they could face severe penalties under the law.
