From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, continued on Thursday, June 26, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting its 10th and 11th prosecution witnesses.
Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and a company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, over alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to N2.7 billion.
Led by prosecuting counsel A.O. Atolagbe, the 10th Prosecution Witness (PW10), a staff member of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), formerly known as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), gave evidence related to the employment history of the third defendant, Hamma Jalal Sule.
PW10, currently Head of Licensing and Permits at NUPRC, told the court he was Head of Human Resources when EFCC requested the employment records of Sule in March 2024. He confirmed the authenticity of the employment documentation sent to the EFCC, which was admitted into evidence as Exhibit 26.
He testified that Sule was offered employment as a Regulatory Officer I (Grade Level 9) on February 3, 2023, and that background checks confirmed he previously worked with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) in 2021. He acknowledged that Sule was not investigated for private interests prior to employment and that such checks are typically conducted only if concerns arise during the probation period.
Under cross-examination by counsel for Sirika and Al Buraq, Michael Numa (SAN), PW10 admitted he was no longer in charge of HR when Sule filled out his Code of Conduct form. He also said he was unaware if Sule had any ownership interest in a private company or if Al Buraq was awarded contracts by NUPRC.
Counsel to the second defendant, Efut Okoi, asked whether Sule had any record of misconduct at either NNRA or NUPRC. PW10 responded that he had no knowledge of any such issues.
Counsel to the third defendant, Sanusi Musa (SAN), confirmed from PW10 that Sule underwent standard induction training upon employment and was instructed on civil service rules and organisational procedures.
Next, the EFCC called its 11th witness (PW11), Abidoye Babatunde, a Deputy Manager in the Policy Compliance and Accountability Unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
He testified that EFCC had written to request employment records of the second defendant, Fatima Hadi Sirika.
PW11 presented documentation, including her offer of employment as a graduate trainee dated February 14, 2020, with effect from May 4, 2020.
He also submitted her confirmation letter dated June 10, 2021, effective the same date, which was admitted into evidence as Exhibit 27.
He confirmed that Fatima remains a staff member and was promoted on January 1, 2023.
During cross-examination, PW11 stated he was unaware of the reason for the EFCC investigation but was informed that Fatima had been invited by the agency.
He noted that since NNPCL transitioned to a private limited liability company in 2021, staff are no longer governed by public service rules, including the requirement to file Code of Conduct forms.
He said he was unaware of any contract between NNPCL and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited and confirmed that Fatima passed her probationary period and was duly confirmed.
Counsel to the second and third defendants verified from the witness that Fatima had no disciplinary record and was never found wanting in her duties.
PW11 affirmed that at the time of her confirmation, she was already an employee of a private limited liability company.
Both witnesses were discharged, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned the matter to June 30, 2025, for continuation of the trial.