Kano Court Reserves Ruling In Ganduje, Wife’s Bribery, Public Fund Misappropriation Case

A Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling in the high-profile case involving former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six others over allegations of bribery and misappropriation of public funds.

The Kano State Government filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of diverting and misappropriating several billions of naira.

Other defendants in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

During the court session, counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong (SAN), sought an extension of time and filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

He noted that the objection, dated November 18, 2024, was supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and a written address. A reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025, was also submitted.

Opposing the objection, counsel to the state, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), submitted a seven-paragraph counter-affidavit with supporting documents, dated December 13, 2024, urging the court to dismiss the application for lack of merit.

Several other defense lawyers filed their own preliminary objections:

• Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the 3rd and 7th defendants, filed an objection dated October 18, 2024, along with a 14-paragraph affidavit and reply on point of law.
• Sunusi Musa (SAN), counsel for the 5th defendant, also filed a motion supported by affidavits, exhibits, and a written address, requesting the court to grant his application and impose costs on the prosecution.
• Ashafa Yusuf, for the 6th defendant, submitted a preliminary objection dated September 9, 2024, along with a further affidavit filed on February 17, 2025, and a reply on point of law.
• Faruk Asekome, representing the 8th defendant, filed a notice of objection dated October 18, 2024, with follow-up documents submitted on February 13, 2025.

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the extension of time for the defense submissions and adjourned the matter.

She stated that the court’s ruling on the preliminary objections would be communicated to all parties at a later date.