Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday barricaded the main exit of the Katsina High Court before whisking away former governor Ibrahim Shema out of the court premises.
Shema is standing trial before Justice Maikaita Bako alongside three others, namely Rufai Safana, Sani Makana, Lawal Dankaba on 22-count charge bordering on alleged financial misdemeanour of about N11 billion.
The court had adjourned till the 21st of this month for ruling on jurisdiction after both parties’ addresses were adopted. Shema’s counsel JB Daudu had earlier moved a motion challenging jurisdiction of the court and a new one yesterday on restraining the EFCC from arresting, intimidating and harassing Shema.
However, EFCC counsel Lateef Fagbemi maintained that the court could entertain the case, arguing that EFCC was a coordinating agency responsible for the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of matters relating to financial crimes.
The drama began to unfold when the motorcade of Shema and others upon approaching the main gate were stopped by EFCC operatives as they blocked the gate and demanded for Shema to disembark and enter theirs.
After an hour standoff and in between several altercations, some EFCC officials entered Shema’s Lexus jeep before the gate was opened and the convoy now heavily armed sandwiched the vehicle Shema was in before zooming off.
A source however said the EFCC took Shema to his house located at Katsina GRA where he was made to write an undertaking to report to the commission’s headquarters tomorrow.
The source said Shema thereafter relocated to his country home in Dutsinma to meet with sympathizers.
During the last sitting on January 9, the EFCC had complained to the court that Shema was not fulfilling one of his bail conditions by making himself available when needed. They had asked him to be remanded so that they could easily reach him.
Reacting to the incident of yesterday, Shema’s spokeman OlaWale Oluwabusola said Shema was not arrested.
