EFCC's probe encompasses a range of serious allegations, including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering. According to The Nation, a substantial amount totaling N3,212,258,930.18 has been traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Abubakar, who holds the position of a Level-16 officer and deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
Engirios Nigeria Limited, where Abubakar serves as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and the sole signatory to its accounts, reportedly secured four significant contracts during Hadi Sirika's leadership at the Ministry of Aviation. These contracts include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1,345,586,500.00); Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3,811,497,685.00); Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners, and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615,195,275.00); and Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2,296,897,404.00).
Shockingly, EFCC's investigators uncovered that the sum of N8,069,176,864.00, allocated for these four contracts, had not been executed. An anonymous source disclosed, "There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date." Additionally, it was revealed that upon receiving a payment of N3,212,258,930.18, Abubakar allegedly transferred the funds to various companies and individuals.
The arrest and subsequent detention of Abubakar on Sunday marked a significant development in the ongoing investigation. During extensive questioning, Abubakar reportedly provided the EFCC with valuable information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry during his elder brother's leadership. The contracts in question were awarded between August 2022 and May 2023, raising concerns about the integrity of the procurement process during that period.
As the EFCC continues to delve into the intricacies of this alleged corruption scandal, the spotlight intensifies on the Ministry of Aviation's past administration, prompting questions about accountability and transparency in government contracts.
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