Sirika’s N2.7 Billion Trial Stalls Again as Court Adjourns for Written Addresses

The corruption trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Abubakar Sirika took another slow turn on Tuesday, as Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, adjourned the case till December 9, 2025, for the adoption of written addresses by both the prosecution and defence counsels.

Sirika, who served under the Buhari administration, is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, on a six-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering involving a staggering ₦2.7 billion. The prosecution alleges that Sirika used his ministerial position to illegally confer contracts and financial benefits on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company reportedly linked to his daughter.

During Tuesday’s session, Justice Oriji directed the lawyers to submit and exchange their written addresses in the ongoing trial within trial—a procedural process meant to determine whether statements obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the accused persons were made voluntarily and in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), particularly Sections 15(4) and 17(2).

The judge’s order followed objections raised by the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Fatima and Hamma, who claimed their statements to EFCC investigators were made under duress and therefore inadmissible.

However, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Christopher Odofin (PW12), contradicted that assertion in his testimony on Monday, insisting that the duo were not arrested, but formally invited to the Commission. Odofin maintained that their statements were given in the presence of their lawyers, without intimidation, coercion, or inducement.

“They both gave their statements, free of duress or intimidation. They were not promised anything, and they spoke voluntarily,” Odofin told the court.

Justice Oriji, after hearing the testimonies and submissions, ruled that all parties must file their respective written addresses within the stipulated time frame:

“The defendants are directed to file and serve their respective written addresses of the trial within trial within 14 days from October 29, 2025. The prosecution is also directed to file and serve its written address within 14 days from the date of service of the last written address of the defendant,” the judge ordered.

The adjournment adds yet another delay to a case that has come to symbolize the slow and tedious pace of high-profile corruption trials in Nigeria. Despite the gravity of the allegations—ranging from abuse of office to the diversion of public funds through family-linked companies—courtroom technicalities and procedural wrangling continue to drag the process, often leaving the public with more questions than answers about accountability in government.

As the case lingers, it reinforces the familiar pattern in Nigeria’s justice system—where power, privilege, and procedure often conspire to outlast public outrage. Whether December’s proceedings will bring any clarity or simply another adjournment remains to be seen.