A Katsina State High Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the alleged N11 billion scam against a former of the state governor, Ibrahim Shema, until June 6.
The former governor is charged with alleged conspiracy, forgery and diversion of N11 billion public funds.
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 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 of Katsina State High Court said the adjournment was sequel to the defendants’ appeal challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try the case. He said that the court has stepped down the case until the Court of Appeal rule 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.
