-
Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and seven others face 11-count charges of bribery and misappropriation.
-
Hearing stalled after defence lawyers failed to file necessary applications and sought adjournment.
-
Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu adjourns till November 26, 2025, warning against further delay.
The trial of former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and seven others over alleged bribery, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds running into billions of naira was on Monday stalled at the Kano State High Court.
The case, instituted by the Kano State Government, involves an 11-count charge bordering on diversion of public funds and criminal conspiracy.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Those charged alongside the former governor include his wife, Mrs. Hafsat Umar Ganduje, his son, Mr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, as well as Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
At the resumed hearing, Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed the court that the state was ready to proceed, noting that witnesses were present in court.
He, however, urged the court to dismiss the respondents’ delay tactics and allow the trial to commence.
READ ALSO: Kano Government Drags Ganduje, Sons, and Others to Court Over Alleged ₦4.49bn Dala Dry Port Fraud
However, Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel representing Ganduje and his family, told the court they were not prepared to proceed as service of their affidavit had not been completed, seeking an adjournment.
Other defence lawyers, including Chief M.N. Duru (SAN) for the 3rd and 7th defendants, and Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN) for the 5th defendant, also requested adjournments, citing pending motions and an application for stay of proceedings before the Court of Appeal.
Similarly, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, counsel to the 6th respondent, said a notice of preliminary objection had been filed, while Mr. Abdulrazaq A. Ahmed, representing the 8th defendant, described the session as “for mention” and asked for more time.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu directed all parties to file and serve their pending motions before the next sitting, warning that the court would not entertain unnecessary delays.
The judge adjourned the case until November 26, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.
