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Kano Government moves to reclaim N4.49bn from former Governor Ganduje and associates
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Fraud alleged in transfer of Dala Inland Dry Port shares to shell company
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Key evidence includes policy documents, falsified records, and N750m transaction
The Kano Government has filed a high-profile lawsuit against former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, two of his sons, and several associates, seeking to recover N4.49 billion allegedly misappropriated from public coffers. The suit was filed before the State High Court on October 13, 2025.
The case specifically seeks to reclaim the state’s 20 per cent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and recover public funds totalling N4,492,387,013.76, which prosecutors allege were siphoned off through fraudulent transactions.
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Defendants and Allegations
The defendants listed in the ten-count suit include:
- Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor
- Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar, his sons
- Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, former Special Adviser
- Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council
- Adamu Aliyu Sanda, legal practitioner
- Dala Inland Dry Port Limited
They face charges including criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.
According to prosecutors, the accused allegedly orchestrated the transfer of 80 per cent of the dry port’s shares—including the state’s 20 per cent equity—to private interests under a shell company, City Green Enterprise, to conceal the diversion of public assets.
“The defendants deliberately hijacked a federal initiative and used proxies and fake entities to conceal the diversion of public assets meant for the people of Kano State,” the prosecution stated.
Alleged Financial Misappropriation
Investigators claim over N4.49 billion meant for infrastructure projects at the dry port—including dual carriageway construction, electricity installation, and fencing—was redirected to benefit private firms owned by the accused and their associates.
The prosecution asserts that the former governor unilaterally executed the share transfer without the consent of the original board members, including Abdullahi Haruna, who represented Kano State.
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Documents reportedly falsified to mislead regulators, and evidence of a N750 million transaction routed through Safari Textile Ltd, are expected to be tendered in court. A policy document from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, confirming the state’s 20 per cent equity in the dry port, will also feature in the proceedings.
Court Proceedings Ahead
The case is expected to call several high-profile witnesses, including the lead investigating officer and an early stakeholder allegedly sidelined during the takeover. Legal analysts predict intense scrutiny, given the prominence of the accused and the scale of alleged misappropriation.
