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Just In: EFCC Arrests Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Over Alleged N8bn Nigeria Air Fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH is reporting.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, It was exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

 

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

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Concerns raised over whereabouts of security expert, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro

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7 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Concerns have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, a prominent Nigerian diplomat and security expert.

 

Amb. Adegbenro, known for his contributions to national security and international diplomacy, has reportedly gone missing after honoring a police invitation on April 26, 2024.

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN), in collaboration with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has raised alarm over his sudden disappearance.

 

According to information gathered from the management of NATCOM, Amb. Adegbenro was called by the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force to respond to a petition.

 

However, since his appearance, there has been no communication from him, and his family and associates have been unable to locate him.

 

Despite rumours of his release on April 29, 2024, his whereabouts remain unknown, with his phone unreachable.

 

Expressing concern over the situation, it is highlighted that Amb. Adegbenro holds a significant role as a Special Emissary of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) and has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between Nigerian security agencies and international organizations like the EuroPolice Federation.

 

Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), a signatory to by Nigeria, calls have been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for transparency and adherence to due process in Amb. Adegbenro’s case.

 

The CCSN/OHC-IHRC NG emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, urging authorities to provide clarity on his situation.

 

The statement further appeals to Nigerian authorities for intervention, stressing the necessity of a thorough investigation into the allegations against Amb. Adegbenro.

 

Justice and accountability are deemed essential in addressing the situation effectively.

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Society

Costal highway: Landmark Beach refunds customers after demolition

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8 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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The management of Landmark Resort Beach says it has initiated the refund process for customers impacted by the recent demolition of portions of its properties by the Federal Government.

According to a statement posted on its X account on Friday by Landmark Africa, the parent company of Landmark Resort Beach, refunds are being facilitated through the Landmark Citizen App.

While acknowledging the patience of their customers, the management advised that completion of the refund process may be delayed due to the high number of requests.

“Dear Landmark Citizens, we would like to assure you all that we have started issuing refunds to those who requested a refund of their money on the Landmark Citizen App.

“Please be patient with us, due to the volume of requests, this process will take some time. Be rest assured that all refund requests will be processed,” the statement read.

A portion of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos, was demolished on Monday to accommodate the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Minister of Works, David Umahi has defended the demolition, citing that the Landmark centre encroached upon the Federal Government’s right-of-way.

The Breeze Beach Club, Mami Chula and other beach businesses were also demolished in the process.

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Society

Auwalu Abdullahi Rano: Ice block seller who became billionaire, owns 120 filling stations, 600 trucks, 60m litre tank farm

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8 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, popularly known as A.A Rano, transformed from a humble boy from Kano Village into a billionaire magnate, overseeing a conglomerate that includes 120 filling stations across Nigeria.

Born into an average family in Lausu, Kano State, Rano started small, with an ice block and groundnut oil business, including other local items.

Rano has gone into building a multi-billion naira enterprise spanning various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

Today, Rano owns AA Rano oil & Gas industry in Nigeria with 56 ML Tank farm in Lagos, with 120 retail outlet/ fillng stations across Nigeria and over 600 trucks & LPG terminals as well as acquired vessel (M.T LAUSAU).

His ventures include RanoGaz, a state-of-the-art Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal, a rice milling company, Rano Lubricant, Rano Air, Lausu Marine and Logistics, AA Rano Terminal, and AA Rano Road Haulage.

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