The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has intensified its investigation into alleged multi-billion naira fraud involving former ministers who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Among those under scrutiny are close allies of the former president, including former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Reports indicate that both Sirika and Malami, who held prominent positions during Buhari’s tenure, face a range of allegations, from distributing lavish gifts to illegally auctioning seized assets.
Malami’s case has been compounded by multiple petitions filed against him since leaving office. These petitions include accusations of distributing expensive car gifts to supporters, illegally auctioning seized crude oil vessels, and mismanagement of recovered assets.
Similarly, Sirika is facing allegations of excessive spending on projects such as logo design and procurement of fire trucks during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
Additionally, his younger brother, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, was recently arrested over allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds related to aviation contracts.
In light of the ongoing investigations, the EFCC is reportedly preparing to press charges against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, alongside other top ministry officials.
