The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in connection with an ongoing N8 billion money laundering investigation related to Nigeria Air.

Sirika was brought to the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, where he is currently undergoing interrogation by EFCC investigators. The probe centers on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by Sirika to a company called Engirios Nigeria Limited, reportedly owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

The investigation into Sirika’s activities stems from earlier scrutiny in February, when the EFCC examined the Aviation Ministry’s actions during his tenure. Allegations include conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breaches of trust, and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00.

Abubakar Sirika, listed as the Managing Director and CEO of Engirios Nigeria Limited, is the sole signatory to the company’s accounts in Zenith and Union Banks. The commission has also arrested and detained him in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 allegedly transferred to his company’s account by the former minister.