The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ramped up its efforts to probe serious fraud allegations involving prominent figures from President Muhammadu Buhari’s former administration.
Among the key figures under scrutiny are Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation; Abubakar Malami, the former Justice Minister and Attorney-General; and Sadiya Umar-Farouq, who previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
According to sources within the EFCC, these former ministers, known for their close ties to Buhari, are believed to have fled the country as the commission intensifies its investigation.
The EFCC has reportedly placed their assets and bank accounts, as well as those of their immediate relatives, under stringent monitoring due to suspected involvement in illicit financial activities.
Detailed Allegations and Multibillion-Naira Scandals
The allegations against these ex-ministers are grave and far-reaching.
Abubakar Malami, known for his significant influence during Buhari’s presidency, faces multiple petitions.
One accusation revolves around the alleged lavish distribution of 30 luxury vehicles valued at over N1 billion to supporters in Kebbi State ahead of the 2023 elections.
These vehicles, including Mercedes Benz, Prado SUVs, Toyota Hilux, and Lexus LX cars, were purportedly distributed to social media influencers, members of his foundation, and women’s support groups.
Additionally, Malami is implicated in unauthorized sales of sea vessels loaded with seized crude oil, which directly contravenes the EFCC Act.
His alleged involvement in various suspicious financial transactions includes the duplicate payment of $16.9 million in legal fees and the controversial payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd as a settlement for the scrapped Ajaokuta Steel concession.
Hadi Sirika Financial Extravagance
Hadi Sirika, another key figure in the investigation, is accused of mismanaging substantial funds during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
The EFCC has detained his younger brother, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, shedding light on potential familial involvement in the alleged misdeeds.
Sirika faces accusations related to extravagant expenditures, such as the $600,000 spent on a logo design for an abandoned aviation project and the questionable procurement of 10 fire trucks costing a staggering total of N12 billion.
Charges Pending Against Umar-Farouq
The EFCC’s investigation also extends to Sadiya Umar-Farouq, with plans to formally charge her and several top officials from her ministry.
The breadth of these investigations underscores a broader crackdown on corruption and financial mismanagement within the former government.
