Corruption Drama Intensifies: Court Hits Sirika, Others With New Evidence In Billion-Naira Fraud Case!

Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has admitted fresh evidence in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika; son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma; and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited on a revised six-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of ₦2.7 billion.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, during the court session on Monday, May 5, 2025, prosecuting counsel A.O. Atolagbe presented the ninth prosecution witness (PW9), a retired General Manager of Administration and Human Resources at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

The witness testified that he received an EFCC letter requesting details about the third defendant, Hamma, during his tenure as GM at the NNRA. In response, the witness confirmed Hamma was employed in November 2021 and resigned two years later before his employment was formally confirmed.

He also told the court that the NNRA later received another letter from the midstream and downstream oil regulatory sector, also seeking details about Hamma, to which he responded with supporting documents, including Hamma’s appointment letter, resignation approval, and evidence of returned official property.

These documents, printed on official NNRA letterhead and signed by the witness, were submitted for admission as evidence by the prosecution. However, defense counsel Sanusi Musa, SAN, representing Hamma, and M.J. Numa, SAN, for the fourth defendant, objected. Musa argued that the witness had not established proper grounds for submitting the documents, noting discrepancies in the source of one letter and questioning their relevance and certification status under Section 104 of the Evidence Act.