EFCC Arraigns Ex-Katsina Governor, Shema

Case adjourned to Feb 7

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Katsina

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) EFCC) tuesday arraigned a former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema.

He was charged alongside three others before Justice Ibrahim Maikaita Bako of Katsina High Court.
The former governor and other accused persons arrived at the court premises at exactly 8.45a.m. under the protective custody of the operatives of the anti-graft agency.

The duo were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds.

In his submission at the court, Shema’s counsel, Mr. J. B Dawodu (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
The agency’s counsel, Jibrin Samuel, urged the court to revoke an administrative bail earlier given to Shema for showing some “signs of not reporting to the commission” as agreed.

He demanded that Shema be remanded in prison so that there could be access to him at will.
But Justice Bako ruled that it was premature for the EFCC counsel to pray for the detention of the ex-governor.
He advised both sides to take the case slowly in order to have a decent trial, and adjourned the case till February 7 for mention.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, counsel to the accused, Dawodu, said: “The case has been adjourned to February 7 for arguments whether the court has the jurisdiction.
“We are challenging the jurisdiction of the court because this court has no jurisdiction over this case and we will continue to challenge its jurisdiction.

THISDAY observed that the court session ended after a heated debate for over two hours.
It was also observed that security was beefed up within and outside the court premises, while soldiers were stationed few metres before the court along Daura Road in Katsina.