Inspector General of Police has opened his case with Katsina secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Mustapha inuwa as Prosecution Witnesses Number 1 (PW1) against Mahdi Shehu, who allegedly made a defamatory publications against Katsina State governor and his executives.
The defendant alongside his company Dialogue Global Links Media limited are facing six count charge bordering on cyber crime.
In his testimony, the witness told the court that he is Secretary to the state Government of Katsina State.
He said that on 24 June, 2020 Abdullahi Yar,adua drew his attention to a publication where the defendant with the intention to incite public, he posted on his several social media platforms that the state government spent N24 billion from the state account in UBA and Fidelity Bank.
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“Over 100 episodes of false story in social media were released to incite public disturbance against the government.
” The allegations were false, in July 2020 at the state executive council 3310 Nokia phone and one year subscription valued N2.2 million was approved for SA Political not N 49 million earlier said by the defendant.
“From 2011 to 2017, N12.6 million was used for federal government project against N849 million earlier said by the defendant”
The witness told the court that he made press briefing where he debunked the allegations made by the defendant.
That our family are being harrassed and intimidated by their colleagues at schools and everywhere,”
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” They were accused on how their parents looted and squandered Katsina State fund.
” They don’t go to school because of harassment”, The witness told the court
He maintained that the only money realised in five years was N6.4billion state fund.
The Prosecution led counsel Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon Lough, (SAN) sought for adjournment to enable him provide Certify True Copies (CTC) of all the exhibits the witness mentioned.
The prayer was not opposed by defense counsel Barrister Mustapha Abubakar and Barrister O.I Habib respectively.
The Trial Judge, Justice Abdullahi Liman adjourned the case to 28th February and 1st March, 2022 for continuation of hearing.
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Justice Watch News recalls that the charge sheet earlier presented by prosecution, alleged that the defendant between May and July 2020, while acting in concert and with the intent to defame, insult, cause enmity, hatred, ill will and damage to the reputation and integrity of the governor of Katsina state and his executive cabinet.
“Granted an interview at Channels Television, Freedom Radio Programme titled “Barka da Warhaka”, falsely accusing Gov. Aminu Masari and his Executive Commissioners of squandering over N62 billion security fund, N24 billion security voted.
“N500 million to his special adviser on political, N49 million state fund to purchase phones for 12 members of state security council, N8.4 million state fund and N24 million security vote from the Katsina Escrow Account domiciled with Fidelity and UBA between 2015 and 2018.
” Defendant placed the said interview on internet for the whole country to read, Facebook page, tagged ‘Rescue Katsina urgently’”.
According to the Prosecution, the offence contravened Section 24(1)(a) and (b) of the Cyber Crimes (prohibition, prevention) Act 2015, and Section 393 of the Penal Code.
