Proceedings in the corruption trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika were adjourned on Tuesday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to provide crucial documents before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sirika is being tried alongside his younger brother, Ahmad Abubakar, as well as Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited, on 10 counts relating to alleged abuse of office, criminal breach of trust and gratification.
The anti-graft agency accused Sirika of awarding contracts valued at approximately ₦19.4 billion to his brother during his tenure as minister. Among the allegations is that Sirika improperly influenced the award of a ₦1.35 billion contract for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, said to be linked to Ahmad.
The EFCC also alleged that the former minister facilitated the award of a ₦3.81 billion contract for a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport. In addition, it claimed that Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited were found in possession of more than ₦2.33 billion, allegedly derived from criminal activities.
According to the commission, the alleged offences violate provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the EFCC (Establishment) Act and the Penal Code of the Federal Capital Territory. All defendants have denied the charges.
During the hearing, EFCC witness Ganiyu Yesufu, Director of Compliance at the Bureau of Public Procurement, was expected to face cross-examination by defence counsel. However, Michael Numa, SAN, representing Sirika and Enginos Nigeria Limited, requested the production of Annexure 2, which contains contract approval documents.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that the document was unavailable, prompting the defence to object to proceeding without it. Numa insisted that effective cross-examination was impossible in the absence of the requested documents.
After listening to submissions from both parties, the trial judge, Justice Belgore, granted the prosecution’s request for an adjournment and ordered the EFCC to make the documents available to the defence. The case was adjourned until 25 March for continuation of proceedings.
