A new set of documents has been admitted in the ongoing N2.7 billion fraud trial involving former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, son-in-law, and a company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, on Monday, May 5, ruled that documents submitted by the EFCC through its ninth witness were admissible. The witness, a retired General Manager from the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), testified about a request from the EFCC seeking employment details of one of the accused, Jalal Sule Hamma.
According to the witness, Hamma joined the NNRA in November 2021 but resigned less than two years later. He also told the court that the agency later received a separate inquiry from an oil sector regulatory body seeking similar information about Hamma. The documents sent to the EFCC included Hamma’s appointment letter, resignation documents, payment in lieu of notice, and an inventory of returned items.
Efforts by defence counsels, Sanusi Musa (SAN) and M.J. Numa (SAN), to block the documents were overruled. They argued that the documents weren’t certified and that no proper foundation was laid for their admission. They also questioned discrepancies in the witness’s mention of “upstream” and “midstream” sectors.
But prosecution lawyer A.O. Atolagbe defended the submissions, insisting that the documents were relevant, duly identified, and backed by legal precedent. The judge agreed, stating that the witness’s recognition of the documents was enough for them to be accepted.
Justice Oriji ordered that certification fees for the documents be paid and adjourned the matter until May 6, 2025, for continuation of trial.
