ABUJA: The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and three others was stalled on Tuesday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to provide key documents requested by the defence.
Sirika is standing trial alongside his brother, Ahmad Abubakar, and two companies — Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited — on a 10-count charge bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust and gratification.
The EFCC alleged that Sirika used his position to award contracts worth about N19.4 billion to his brother.
It alleged that Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego is Ahmad, was unfairly awarded a N1.34 billion contract for a terminal building at Katsina Airport and a N3.81 billion contract for a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at the same airport.
The commission further alleged that Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited were in possession of over N2.33 billion, which they allegedly knew represented proceeds of crime.
The offences were said to contravene provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the EFCC Act and the Penal Code.
During proceedings, EFCC witness and Director of Compliance at the Bureau of Public Procurement, Ganiyu Yesufu, was due for cross-examination.
Defence counsel Michael Numa (SAN), holding brief for Kanu Agabi (SAN), requested Exhibit C1 and Annexure 2 — the contract approval documents.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) admitted he did not have the documents, despite earlier assurances.
Justice Belgore adjourned the case to March 25 and ordered the prosecution to make the documents available to enable continuation of cross-examination.
