Hadi Sirika fraud trial adjourned in Abuja

The fraud trial of former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika and three others was adjourned to Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. The proceedings were stalled due to the absence of the prosecution counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case had been scheduled for the defense to cross-examine Isaiah Yesufu, the Director of Compliance at the Bureau of Public Procurement. The defense team noted they had received a request from the prosecution to vacate Monday’s proceedings, though the prosecution indicated a desire to continue on Tuesday. Justice Suleiman Belgore subsequently adjourned the matter.

Sirika is facing a 10-count charge involving alleged abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and use of position for gratification. The EFCC alleges that during his tenure as Minister of Aviation, Sirika awarded contracts totaling approximately ₦19.4 billion to his brother, Ahmad Abubakar, through Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited. The defendants have pleaded not guilty.