TheCable

Ibrahim Shema, former governor of Katsina state, who is standing trial for alleged N11 billion fraud, says his life is in danger.

Alleging that Bello Masari, his successor was behind the plot to arrest him at the premises of the state high court on Tuesday, Shema said there is a sinister move to harm him.

Shema broke down in tears after a one-hour standoff with security operatives in the court.

But in a statement by Oluwabusola Olawale, his media aide, Shema described the encounter at the court as an attempt to abduct him.

“The failed attempt to abduct former Governor Ibrahim Shema on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the premises of Katsina state high court by security agents  who were being used by Governor Aminu Bello Masari and his aides, despite the ruling of the court to maintain status quo on the bail granted  Shema pending the determination of the matter before the court,  has confirmed that the ongoing corruption case against Shema and his former aides is not about court trial and rule of law, but sheer personal vendetta and a wicked attempt to humiliate, and harass the immediate past governor,” Olawale said in a statement.

“With this development, the life of former Governor Shema is in danger, and if anything happens to him, the people of Katsina state, well-meaning Nigerians and the international community should hold Governor Aminu Bello Masari responsible.

“It was on record that few days before the sitting of the court, it was reported in the media that there was a plot by Governor Aminu Bello Masari and his aides to humiliate, denigrate and condemn Ibrahim Shehu Shema, which we took for granted because we never thought they could stoop so low. But the failed abduction and desperation of Governor Masari and his aides have been confirmed to us that there is a sinister move to probably harm former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema.”

Olawale said Shema was not arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but was harassed by people working for Masari.

He said in the end, Shema was able to leave the court premises after being held hostage for more than one hour.

“He was subsequently able to travel to his country home, Dustin-ma to receive well-wishers who were there to sympathise with him on the attempted abduction,” the statement read.

“In the ongoing saga, Governor Masari is the petitioner, accuser, investigator and jury. We have been vindicated that Shema is facing nothing but a political persecution and personal vendetta orchestrated by Masari and his aides. The failed abduction of former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema within the court premises has thrown Nigeria back into the Dark Age.

“It also further confirmed that Masari is the sole mastermind of the witch-hunting of Ibrahim Shema, using state and federal institutions to carry out his wicked act.”