From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
Economic and social activities in Katsina metropolis were shut down for several hours, on Tuesday, following the arraignment of the immediate past governor of the state, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, before a Katsina State High Court, by the EFCC.
In spite of what may well be an unprecedented deployment of security personnel in parts of the town especially around the court location on Daura road, Shema’s supporters apparently exploited the situation to embark on a rally in the area even as the PDP state secretariat wore a fresh look, renovated reportedly for the occasion.
Chanting various pro-Shema slogans and displaying placards, the supporters patrolled the metropolis listing wat they described as achievements of Shema while he was in office.
But the 21-point charge against the former governor could not be read in court as his counsel, Joe Daudu (SAN) filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.
In spite of the development, the EFCC counsel, Jibril Samuel Oketepa, urged the court to order Shema’s remand in prison custody, a prayer which the presiding Judge, Justice Ibrahim Maikaita Bako, turned down.
Oketepa argued that the prosecution will be able to get an easier access to Shema, when required.
He contended that the former governor was on “EFCC administrative bail and once violated that bail. So, the only place we can guarantee to see him when required is in the prison.“

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