Prosecution tenders cash, guns ‘recovered from Justice Ademola’s home’

The prosecution in the trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court and two others yesterday tendered cash, guns and some other items allegedly recovered from the judge’s home by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Operatives of the DSS on December 7 last year raided the houses of some

judges including Justice Ademola.

The cash, consisting of N54million; $171,779; €4,400; £80 and R1,010 (Indian Rupee) were brought into the court in bags and tendered by the prosecution through its 11th witness, Umar Ahmed, an Exhibit Keeper with the DSS.

Also tendered were two Avar Magnum Pump Action gun, bearing the names of Justice Ademola and Justice Ahmed Mohammed (also of the Federal High Court.)

 There were also original copies and photocopies of the guns’ licensces, in the names of Justices Ademola and Mohmammed; two cartridges – a red head of 25 pieces and a white head of10 pieces, among the items tendered; two iPads and an 8GB flash drive

 “It is also necessary to remind Governor Masari that he has a tenure opportunity which he must not squander on witch-hunting his predecessor because what goes around comes around.”

He accused Masari of allegedly persecuting him.

The statement added: “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 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.

 “Also, contrary to media reports,  former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema was not arrested on the said day. It was a planned abduction which the EFCC headquarters later denied, saying none of its official was assigned to arrest Shema.

“That was what led to the collapse of the abduction plan before Ibrahim Shehu 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.”