ABUJA — The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has deferred ruling on an application seeking to halt the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and two others over an alleged N2.8 billion contract fraud until the day of judgment.
Justice S.C. Oriji gave the ruling on Tuesday after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution in the case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, on an amended six-count charge bordering on alleged contract fraud involving Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company linked to his daughter. The anti-graft agency alleges that the contracts were valued at N2.825 billion.
Counsel to Sule, Sanusi Musa (SAN), had urged the court to prevent the prosecution from presenting further evidence in the matter. He also sought an order striking out all evidence and exhibits already tendered and asked the court to dismiss the charge entirely, arguing that the prosecution filed the case based on an incomplete investigation.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the application, relying on Section 379(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which allows additional evidence and exhibits to be filed at any stage before judgment is delivered.
Jacobs further argued that several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal support the filing of additional proofs during an ongoing trial.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji referred to Section 396(2) of the ACJA, noting that while objections relating to a charge may be raised before judgment, such objections can be considered together with the substantive issues in the case.
“This motion is not challenging the validity of the charge. However, the issues and prayers in this application are inextricably tied or connected to the determination of the charge,” the judge said.
“Therefore, in my view, judicial prudence dictates that it is better to deliver the ruling on the motion along with the judgment on the charge after the trial and I so direct.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
