Court Delays Ruling on Sirika N2.8 Billion Fraud Trial — Here Is What Happened
The Sirika N2.8 billion fraud trial just got another dramatic twist in Abuja. A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama deferred its ruling on Tuesday. The court will now decide alongside the final judgment in the substantive case.
Justice S.C. Oriji made the call during proceedings at the Maitama court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the case against former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. His daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, are also defendants.
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Meanwhile, the EFCC is prosecuting the trio on an amended six-count charge. The charges border on alleged contract fraud involving Al Buraq Global Investment Limited. The company is allegedly linked directly to Sirika’s daughter, Fatima.
What the Defence and Prosecution Said in the Sirika N2.8 Billion Fraud Case
GossipShop breaks it down — the defence came out swinging hard on Tuesday. Counsel to the third defendant, Sanusi Musa (SAN), urged the court to stop further prosecution evidence. He also demanded that all existing exhibits be expunged and charges dismissed.
Musa argued the EFCC launched the case on an incomplete investigation. He said the prosecution should not continue the trial on that basis. And here is the thing — that is a bold legal move that could shake everything.
However, prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) fiercely opposed the application. He cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in his argument. Jacobs insisted the law permits additional evidence at any stage before final judgment.
Furthermore, Jacobs referenced decisions from both the Supreme Court and appellate courts. He argued those rulings support the prosecution’s right to present more evidence. The judge heard both sides and chose to defer the ruling entirely.
Why This Sirika Fraud Trial Keeps Nigeria Watching
The EFCC alleges the contracts in question were worth a staggering N2.83 billion. Let that sink in — taxpayers’ money allegedly funneled through family business ties. This case has kept Nigerians riveted since the charges first dropped.
Hadi Sirika served as Nigeria’s Aviation Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari. He oversaw massive aviation sector projects and budgets during his tenure. The EFCC’s allegations strike at the heart of how public contracts were awarded.
Consequently, the court’s decision to tie the ruling to final judgment means this case drags on. There will be no quick resolution for either the defendants or the public. Nigerians must now wait for the substantive trial to conclude fully.
Most importantly, the EFCC is signaling it will not back down from this prosecution. The anti-graft agency continues pushing forward despite defence efforts to shut it down. Nigeria is watching every single court date closely.
You can read the full original report from Guardian Nigeria. Additionally, stay updated on more Nigerian court and politics stories at mygossipshop.com.
🔎 GossipShop Verdict
We believe this deferral only delays justice — not denies it, and the EFCC’s resolve looks stronger than ever. We think tying this ruling to final judgment is a masterstroke that keeps pressure firmly on the defendants. We will keep watching every twist of this N2.8 billion saga so you never miss a beat.
Follow GossipShop for more Sirika fraud trial updates. 🇳🇬
