The trial of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, took a twist on Thursday as the court rejected statements tendered by the prosecution in the alleged ₦2.7 billion airport contract fraud case.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the statements made by Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, and his son-in-law, Hamma Sule, were inadmissible in evidence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had attempted to tender the statements as part of its proof in the six-count charge against Sirika, his daughter, his son-in-law, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited over alleged abuse of office and contract fraud.
The defendants are accused of allegedly using Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited, linked to Sirika’s relatives, to secure a ₦1.49 billion contract for the apron extension at Katsina Airport. All the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Ruling in a trial-within-trial, Justice Oriji held that the statements were obtained in violation of Section 15(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The ruling followed objections by the defence in July 2025, which argued that the statements were confessional and obtained under duress.
The judge stressed that investigators were bound to comply strictly with the law, noting that the provision placed a mandatory duty on law enforcement agencies.
He held that the EFCC failed to comply with the required procedure when obtaining the statements, rendering them inadmissible.
Following the ruling, defence counsel for the third defendant, Sunusi Musa (SAN), informed the court of a motion seeking to strike out the prosecution’s proof of evidence and witness statements filed since October 2025.
The prosecution, however, filed a counter-affidavit and told the court it was not ready to proceed.
Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned the matter to June 2 for continuation of hearing.
