A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama has adjourned the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, to December 9.
Justice S.C. Oriji fixed the date for the adoption of written addresses by the prosecution and defence in the trial within trial of the N2.7 billion fraud case filed against the trio by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Sirika, his daughter, and son-in-law are facing a six-count charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.
The EFCC accused Sirika of allegedly conferring undue advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a company linked to his daughter, while serving as Aviation Minister.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Oriji directed counsel for both sides to file and exchange their written addresses to determine compliance with Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The directive followed claims by the second and third defendants that the statements they made to EFCC investigators were not given voluntarily.
The court consequently ordered a trial within trial to determine the voluntariness of those statements.
EFCC’s lead investigator, Assistant Commander Christopher Odofin, told the court that both Fatima and Sule were invited, not arrested, and made their statements in the presence of their lawyers without any form of coercion, inducement, or intimidation.
Justice Oriji further ordered that the defendants submit their written addresses within 14 days from October 29, while the prosecution must file its response within 14 days of receiving the defendants’ submissions.
The case continues on December 9 for adoption of the written addresses.
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