EFCC: Shema, Others Granted N1bn Bail
By Oladapo Okeowo with agency report
A Katsina State High Court on Tuesday granted a former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shema and three others N1 billion bail and one reliable surety each.
Standing trial alongside the ex-governor are the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Sani Makana, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Lawal Safana and former ALGON Chairman, Lawal Dankaba.
The defendants stand accused of conspiracy, forgery and diversion of public funds amounting to N11 billion.
Counsel to the defendants, Joseph Daudu (SAN) urged the court to grant his clients bail as the charges are bailable offences.
He also challenged the jurisdictional authority of the court to hear the trial.
Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), the prosecutor argued against the granting of bail and instead asked that the accused be remanded in prison till the next court hearing.
Justice lbrahim Bako, after hearing both sides, granted bail and held that the court has jurisdiction to try the case.
He said that the state’s Attorney-General has the right to initiate criminal proceedings against any person in any court of law.
Bako also held that EFCC as a federal government agency has the right to try any financial crime-related case in any court in Nigeria.
The case was adjourned to March 28 for continuation of hearing.
