Court Defers Ruling on Motion to Halt Hadi Sirika’s Trial Until Final Judgment
Court Defers Ruling on Motion to Halt Hadi Sirika's Trial Until Final Judgment
Court Defers Ruling on Motion to Halt Hadi Sirika’s Trial Until Final Judgment
Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has deferred ruling on an application seeking to halt the trial of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, until the final judgment in the case.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during proceedings in the ongoing trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, on an amended six-count charge bordering on alleged contract fraud involving Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company reportedly linked to his daughter. The contract in question is valued at N2.83 billion.
Counsel to the third defendant, Hamma Jalal Sule, Sanusi Musa (SAN), urged the court to stop the prosecution from presenting further evidence in the matter. He also prayed the court to expunge all evidence and exhibits already tendered and dismiss the charges, arguing that the case was filed on the basis of an incomplete investigation.
However, counsel for the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the application, relying on Section 379(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. He argued that the law permits the filing of additional evidence and exhibits at any stage before judgment is delivered.
Jacobs further informed the court that several decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal support the admissibility of additional proof of evidence during an ongoing trial.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji cited Section 396(2) of the ACJA, 2015, noting that although objections relating to a charge may be raised before judgment, such objections can be determined together with the substantive issues in the case at the time judgment is delivered.
The judge held that while the motion did not directly challenge the validity of the charge, the issues raised were closely connected to the substantive case and should therefore be considered alongside the 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,” Justice Oriji ruled.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
Court Defers Ruling on Motion to Halt Hadi Sirika’s Trial Until Final Judgment
