Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, has adjourned till December 9, 2025, the adoption of written addresses by the prosecution and defence in the trial within trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika.
Sirika is facing six-count charges alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, over allegations of abuse of office and money laundering involving N2.7 billion. The charges stem from claims that Sirika conferred undue advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company linked to his daughter, while serving as Aviation Minister.
The adjournment follows the ongoing trial within trial, which was ordered by Justice Oriji to determine whether statements given by the 2nd and 3rd defendants to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were made voluntarily, in compliance with Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
During Monday, October 27, 2025, proceedings, the Investigation Officer and Prosecution Witness 12, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Christopher Odofin, testified that both defendants were invited to the Commission in the presence of their lawyers, were not arrested, and provided their statements without duress, intimidation, or inducement.
In response to the testimonies, Justice Oriji directed that the defendants file and serve their written addresses within 14 days from October 29, 2025, while the prosecution is to file and serve its written address within 14 days from the service of the last written address submitted by the defendants.
