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The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika until November 15.
Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited, faces six charges related to abuse of office and contract fraud, as filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges stem from allegations that Sirika misused his ministerial position to award contracts to a company in which his family members had interests.
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The prosecution argues that these actions contravene the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 and the EFCC (Establishment) Act of 2004.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Sylvanus Oriji ruled against the admissibility of a document that defense counsel Michael Numa (SAN) sought to introduce, citing relevance to the case’s core issue regarding the company’s approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The judge emphasized that the defense failed to establish a connection between the witness and the document, thus rejecting its admissibility.
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He explained that to introduce a document through a witness, the cross-examiner must demonstrate a relevant link, which was not accomplished in this instance.
Following this decision, the same document was again rejected when presented by counsel for Jalal Hamma.
The fourth prosecution witness, Isaiah Yusuf, testified that Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited was not listed as a bidder for the contracts in question.
After the cross-examination, the court adjourned the trial until November 15 for further proceedings.
