Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has deferred ruling on a motion seeking to discontinue the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, until the day of final judgment, in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and son‑in‑law, Hamma Jalal Sule, on an amended six‑count charge bordering on contract fraud involving Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company linked to his daughter. The alleged fraud amounts to N2,825,032,220.97 (Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty‑five Million, Thirty‑two Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira, Ninety‑seven Kobo).
In bringing the motion, Sanusi Musa (SAN), counsel to the third defendant (Hamma Jalal Sule), prayed the court not to allow the prosecution to present further evidence. He also urged the court to expunge all evidence and exhibits already tendered and to dismiss the charge entirely, arguing that the case was filed on the basis of an incomplete investigation.
However, the defence team, led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), countered with Section 379(2) of the ACJA 2015, which permits additional evidence and exhibits to be filed at any time before judgment. Jacobs further noted that there are several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal supporting the filing of additional proofs in ongoing cases.
Justice Oriji, relying on Section 396(2) of the ACJA 2015, observed that a defendant may raise an objection to the validity of the charge at any time before judgment, but such objection could be considered alongside the substantive issues, with a ruling delivered at the time of final judgment. “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. 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,” he said.
The court adjourned the matter until June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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