The Katsina State Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Thursday heard that a former State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and others withdrew N5.7 billion cash from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme accounts.
The Special Adviser on Budget in Katsina State, Abdullahi Imam, who made the revelation when he testified in the commission, said the cash withdrawal contravened the policy on e-payment system.
Imam said the funds were withdrawn through Fidelity Bank Plc account number 5030053838; Sterling Bank Plc, 0027516451; First City Monument Bank, 2731286019; and First Bank of Nigeria, 2026883805.
He said the funds were withdrawn in the name of empowerment programme at the end of Shema’s administration in 2015.
The aide revealed that N1.1 billion was withdrawn from Stering Bank; FCMB, N2.2 billion; Fidelity Bank, N2.2 billion; and N57.4 million from First Bank of Nigeria.
Imam tendered banks statement of accounts for the banks to the commission which were registered and marked as exhibits.
Imam explained that Shema, along with the former 34 local government chairmen, Accountant-General and other commissioners were among those allegedly involved the withdrawal.
Peter Israel, Counsel to former Jibia Local Government Chairman, Aminu Lawal, applied for the evidence to enable him prepare for the witness cross examination.
The Chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammad Surajo, said for the purpose of fair hearing and justice, the commission would make the documents available to the counsel.
Surajo adjourned the sitting till August 24 for continuation
The commission was inaugurated by Governor Aminu Masari to probe the missing funds.