The Federal High Court in Kaduna has rescheduled the hearing and delivery of judgment in the highly anticipated case involving allegations of fraud against a prominent legislator from Katsina.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the court, presided over by Justice Sale Musa Shuaib, announced that the proceedings will now take place on June 15 and 16.
Mansur Ali Mashi, a current member of the House of Representatives representing the Mashi Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State, stands accused in a case initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to EFCC, Mashi is alleged to have obtained a loan worth ₦212,439,552 from Sterling Bank through fraudulent means, using fictitious companies as a facade.
The commission has charged Mashi with violating Section 15(1)(b) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act, which carries severe penalties under Section 16(1)(a). In addition to the lawmaker, four bank employees—Hassan Usman (now deceased), Shehu Aliyu, Muazu Abdu, and Abdulmumini Mustapha—have also been implicated in the case and appeared alongside Mashi in court.
During their arraignment, all the defendants entered pleas of not guilty, leading to the commencement of the trial. However, with the complexity of the case and the voluminous evidence presented, the court deemed it necessary to extend the proceedings.
Consequently, the trial has been adjourned to June 15 and 16, 2023, when further hearings will take place and the judgment will be delivered.
