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LequteMan
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Ibrahim Shehu Shema, the former governor of Katsina state yesterday broke down in tears, begging operatives of the EFCC not to arrest him after appearing in court.
The Katsina High court, on January 10, 2017, had fixed yesterday to hear arguments of Shema’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN) and EFCC counsel, Jibril Samuel Okutepa, over its competence to entertain the commission’s decision to arraign Shema before it.
Only a Federal High Court is fit to hear the case, Daudu said.
The EFCC also wanted Shema to be remanded in prison but the court denied, saying charges against him haven't been read. The case was adjourned till February 21.
However, EFCC officials blocked Shema's black Lexus sports utility vehicle when the ex-governor made to leave. This led to a face-off between security operatives and Shema’s legal counsels and aides which lasted over 40 minutes at the gate of the court on Daura Road.
When it became obvious he could not evade the arrest, Shema broke down in tears and reportedly begged the EFCC officials to allow him ride in his vehicle.
He was taken away by the operatives.
His spokesman, Wale Oluwabusola later claimed that EFCC did not arrest Shema. He noted that he could not say precisely where his boss was taken to.
“Shema was not arrested but, I can tell you that the government of Katsina State is trying to use security agents to harass and intimidate the former governor.”
Shema's supporters made a scene at the court premises but were repelled by security operatives.
Although the court is yet to hear the charges which the EFCC has against Shema, his arraignment may not be unconnected with allegations by the Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s administration that the former governor diverted about N70 billion belonging to the state government while he was in office.
The Sun
The Katsina High court, on January 10, 2017, had fixed yesterday to hear arguments of Shema’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN) and EFCC counsel, Jibril Samuel Okutepa, over its competence to entertain the commission’s decision to arraign Shema before it.
Only a Federal High Court is fit to hear the case, Daudu said.
The EFCC also wanted Shema to be remanded in prison but the court denied, saying charges against him haven't been read. The case was adjourned till February 21.
However, EFCC officials blocked Shema's black Lexus sports utility vehicle when the ex-governor made to leave. This led to a face-off between security operatives and Shema’s legal counsels and aides which lasted over 40 minutes at the gate of the court on Daura Road.
When it became obvious he could not evade the arrest, Shema broke down in tears and reportedly begged the EFCC officials to allow him ride in his vehicle.
He was taken away by the operatives.
His spokesman, Wale Oluwabusola later claimed that EFCC did not arrest Shema. He noted that he could not say precisely where his boss was taken to.
“Shema was not arrested but, I can tell you that the government of Katsina State is trying to use security agents to harass and intimidate the former governor.”
Shema's supporters made a scene at the court premises but were repelled by security operatives.
Although the court is yet to hear the charges which the EFCC has against Shema, his arraignment may not be unconnected with allegations by the Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s administration that the former governor diverted about N70 billion belonging to the state government while he was in office.
The Sun
