Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, deferred ruling on a motion seeking to discontinue the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to the day of final judgment, in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former minister 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, to the tune of ₦2,825,032,220.97 (Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-five Million, Thirty-two Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira, Ninety-seven Kobo).
In moving the motion, Sanusi Musa, SAN, counsel to Hamma Jalal Sule, the third defendant, urged the court not to allow the prosecution to present further evidence in the matter. He also prayed the court to expunge all evidence and exhibits tendered so far and dismiss the charge entirely, arguing that the case was filed based on an incomplete investigation.
The prosecution team, led by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, however, countered with Section 379(2) of the ACJA, 2015, which permits additional evidence and exhibits to be filed at any time before judgment is delivered. He further informed the court that there are several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal supporting the filing of additional proof in an ongoing case.
Justice Oriji, relying on the provisions of Section 396(2) of the ACJA, 2015, observed that a defendant may raise an objection to the validity of a charge at any time before judgment is delivered, but such objection may be considered alongside the substantive issues, with a ruling delivered at the time of 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 alongside the judgment on the charge after the trial, and I so direct,” he said.
The matter was adjourned until June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
