By Zubairu Idris and Shehu Danjuma
Katsina – A Katsina State High Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the alleged N11 billion scam brought against a former state governor, Ibrahim Shema, until June 6.
The former governor is charged with conspiracy, forgery and diversion of N11 billion public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Standing trial with Shema are former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Sani Makana, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Lawal Safana and former State ALGON Chairman, Lawal Dankaba.
The offences contravene Sections 312 and 364, Cap 96 of the Penal Code, Laws of Katsina State, 1991.
When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, Justice Ibrahim Bako said the adjournment was sequel to the defendants’ appeal, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try the case.
He said that the court had stepped down the case until the Court of Appeal ruled on the subject matter.
“The court has adjourned the case to June 6 for situation report on the matter,’’ the judge added.
Earlier, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, the defence counsel, had told the judge that the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, would sit on the matter on May 25.
He urged the court to stay action temporarily pending the decision of the Appeal Court on their motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the prosecution counsel, did not object to the motion filed by the defence counsel.
NAN reports that the High Court had earlier ruled that it had jurisdiction to try the accused.