SaharaReporters on Tuesday reported the former aviation minister was arrested and grilled by the EFCC operatives over the “Nigeria Air” project fraud during his tenure.
There is a high tendency that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will arraign arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika for alleged money laundering to the tune of N8,069,176,864.00 next week.
SaharaReporters on Tuesday reported the former aviation minister was arrested and grilled by the EFCC operatives over the “Nigeria Air” project fraud during his tenure.
A source close revealed that Sirika was questioned about the ongoing investigations by the agency.
“We invited him to ask him questions concerning our investigations. He will be charged to court next week,” the source said.
“There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items till date,” the source said.
Sirika was the aviation minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had revealed that the EFCC was investigating the controversial Nigeria Air deal sealed by Sirika.
The minister had said, “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”
SaharaReporters in May 2023 reported that the plane unveiled by then-President Buhari a few days before he left office was over 10 years old and belonged to Ethiopian Airlines.
Plane Spotters, a platform which takes an inventory of aircraft, revealed its Mode was S Q4005C and its Serial Number was 40965/4075.