Alleged N5. 7bn fraud: I’m ready to prove my innocence – Ex – Gov. Shema

A former governor of Katsina State, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has said that he is ready to prove his innocence in the N5.7b fraud charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC is set to arraign the former governor over alleged N5.7billion Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE – P)‎ fund before the Katsina State High Court on Monday.

However, in a press statement made available to ‎journalists in Abuja through Oluwabusola Olawale,

Head, Media Team of former Governor Shema, the former governor accused his successor in office, Governor Amiinu Bello Masari of masterminding and sponsoring his trial.

He accused the state government of persecuting perceived political opponents but added that he is not afraid of a free, fair and transparent trial.

‎”Our position remains the same since Governor Aminu Bello Masari started his persecution, intimidation and harassment of former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, by setting up over 30 different Committees to probe Shema administration and granted over 200 media interviews to call him a thief and continue to sponsors media trial against him.

“He also set up Commission of Inquiry, sponsor petitions to EFCC and ICPC, using Katsina State Attorney General Fiat to take Shema before Justice Maikaita Bako of Katsina State High Court while at the same time obtaining Fiat from the Attorney General of the Federation, curiously to take over Corruption case from ICPC before the same Justice Maikaita Bako to satisfy the interest of Governor Masari and his Co travelers”.

He said the state government is already pressurizing EFCC to take Shema before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of Federal High Court, Abuja on allegations that are being adjudicated before another Court and now taking him before Justice Babagana Ahmed of Federal High Court Katsina on the same issues and allegations.

“Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema stands by his position that he is ready to defend himself in fair and just trial and therefore urging Nigerians and International Communities to read between the lines what is the motive of Governor Aminu Bello Masari who is behind trial of Shema for this desperation.

“And with the fresh suit before Justice Babagana Ahmed of Federal High Court Katsina, we urge Nigerians and International Communities to monitor closely the planned arraignment of Shema on the slated date to understand the motive and agenda of the fresh suit.

“We insist that Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema is innocent and demands for transparent, fair and just trail based on the rule of law with the absolute belief that the God we worship is a just God who abhors injustice”, he said.