Alleged N19.4 Billion Fraud: Prosecution counsel’s absence stalls trial of ex-minister Sirika, three others
The trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and three others was on Monday stalled in the Abuja High Court due to the absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel.
The matter was fixed for the defence to cross-examine the third prosecution witness.
Joseph Kwahar held the brief of Mr Sirika’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN).
Also, counsel for the second defendant, Hafiz Matanmi, informed the court that they received a letter from the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), seeking to vacate today’s date.
They added that the prosecution, however, wanted the case to continue on Tuesday.
With no objection from the defence team, Justice Suleiman Belgore then adjourned the matter until Tuesday for cross-examination of Isaiah Yesufu, who is the director of compliance at the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).
Mr Sirius is charged alongside his younger brother, Ahmad Abubakar and two companies, Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited, on 10 counts bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and use of position for gratification.
The anti-graft commission alleged that the former minister awarded various contracts to his younger brother to the tune of about N19.4 billion.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Fire razes building in Kwara
Fire has destroyed a building comprising three-bedroom flats in Kangile village, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Economy
Businesses cannot make 20-year investments without policy certainty: Rabiu
Mr Rabiu urged the government to ensure reforms translate into increased production, employment, and improved living standards.
Politics
Peter Obi has nothing to offer Nigeria beyond ‘dubious’ statistics: Shettima
Mr Shettima neither specified which of Mr Obi’s statistics he was disputing nor explained why he described them as “dubious”.
Politics
Atiku asks Tinubu, wife to explain funding of N150 million SUVs gifted to APC loyalists
Mr Abubakar challenged the presidency to explain the source of funds used to purchase the SUVs and the total cost of the donations.
Politics
Uba Sani to Opposition: ‘Don’t rely on social media, go out and campaign’
Mr Sani said that instead of canvassing for people’s support, the opposition was using doctored photos to disparage APC.
Economy
FG proposes impact assessments before major tax, tariff changes
Mr Oyedele said economic success should be reflected in household incomes, employment and the ability of small businesses to expand.
