Court admits fresh evidence against Hadi Sirika in N2.7bn fraud trial
Justice S.C. Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama, on Monday, May 5, 2025, admitted new documentary evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.
Sirika is facing a six-count amended charge alongside his daughter Fatima Sirika, son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, for alleged abuse of office and fraudulent practices amounting to N2.7 billion.
The EFCC, represented by A.O. Atolagbe, called its ninth prosecution witness, a retired General Manager of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), who testified on employment records concerning the third defendant, Hamma. He said Hamma was employed in November 2021, resigned two years later before confirmation, and returned all official property in his possession.
The witness confirmed sending the EFCC documents including Hamma’s appointment letter, resignation request, disengagement approval, and a report of returned assets. He also responded to a similar inquiry from the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Attempts by the EFCC to tender the documents were opposed by defence counsels Sanusi Musa (SAN) and M.J. Numa (SAN), who argued that the materials lacked proper certification and relevance, and that inconsistencies existed in the witness’s account of the requesting authority.
Atolagbe countered that the documents were validly identified by the witness, and that discrepancies over the name of the requesting agency did not undermine their admissibility. He urged the court to accept the documents with their attachments.
Justice Oriji overruled the objections, ruling that the witness’s identification cured the defects raised. He ordered that the necessary certification fees be paid and the documents be properly filed as evidence.
The trial was adjourned to May 6, 2025, for continuation.
