Ex Minister Hadi Sirika Arrested in N8Billion ‘Nigeria Air’ Probe

In a significant development in Nigeria’s aviation sector, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the controversial Nigeria Air project. This arrest comes in the wake of an ongoing N8 billion money laundering probe related to the project, which was initiated under Sirika’s tenure as the Aviation Minister.

Sirika, who served as the Aviation Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently being investigated for alleged fraudulent activities and financial misconduct. The EFCC is particularly interested in contracts awarded by Sirika to a company owned by his younger brother, Engirios Nigeria Limited. These contracts, worth billions of naira, were purportedly awarded for various projects related to the Nigeria Air project, including the construction of a terminal building in Katsina Airport, procurement of lifts and air conditioners, and the acquisition of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

The EFCC has been probing the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry since February 2024. Sirika’s arrest on April 23, 2024, was a crucial step in the ongoing investigation. The anti-graft agency is expected to charge Sirika next week, and the case will likely shed light on the alleged misappropriation of funds and the role Sirika played in the Nigeria Air project’s controversies.

This development has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their views on the matter. The Nigeria Air project, which aimed to establish a national carrier, has been a focal point of scrutiny since its inception, with stakeholders calling for a thorough investigation into the project’s management and financial transactions.

The arrest of Sirika is a significant move by the EFCC to address corruption allegations in Nigeria’s aviation sector. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the country’s efforts to revive its aviation industry and address systemic issues of corruption and mismanagement.