Alleged N5.7bn fraud: No proof of receipt of money from SURE – P finance director for ex-gov ― EFCC star witness

The star witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nasiru Salisu Ingawa has told a federal high court sitting in Katsina that he has no proof, evidence or document to show that he collected money from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE – P)  finance director, Abdulazees Shinkafi and gave to former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

The witness, under cross-examination by Shema’s counsel, Sebastine Hon (SAN) at the resumed trial on Wednesday had, told the court that all the money mentioned in his statements was withdrawn from the bank by the Sure-P Director of Finance and was given to him which he gave the defendant.

But when asked if he has any proof of receiving money from the Sure – P Director of Finance, Abdulazees Shinkafi. he responded, “No I don’t have”.

When asked further by the defendant counsel if he has any proof of evidence or document to show he took any money to the defendant, the witness responded again, “no I don’t have”.

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It would be recalled that during the last sitting of the court, the EFCC star witness told the court, during cross-examination that he has no document or evidence to substantiate his claim against the former Governor Shema.

After the testimony of the witness on Wednesday, the trial judge, Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari adjourned the matter till March 12th and 13th, 2020 for a continuation of the trial at the instance of the prosecution counsel, U. I. Uket to enable him to put his house in order.

It would be recalled that the trial of the former governor had to start afresh following the transfer of Justice Babagana Ashigar, who was replaced with Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.

Shema is being tried for alleged laundering of the N5.7 billion belonging to the state’s Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (Sure – P).

The former governor has however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.