A Kano State High Court has adjourned to November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications in the ongoing case of alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others.
Ganduje, alongside his wife, Hafsat Umar, and several associates—Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited—faces an eight-count charge of bribery, misappropriation, and diverting public funds amounting to billions of naira.
The charges were brought by the Kano State Government, which alleges that the defendants were involved in the illicit division and mismanagement of public resources.
During Wednesday’s court session, which was set for the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by the sixth defendant, counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed the court that they were prepared to proceed, stating, “My lord, we have filed our counter-affidavit, and one of our witnesses is here from Lagos.”
However, the proceedings were delayed after counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants, Mr. Offiong Offiong (SAN), disclosed that they had not been served with the preliminary objection and counter-affidavit.
“My lord, we are not ready. We filed an application and are asking for another date to move the application,” he said.
Similarly, counsel for the 3rd and 7th defendants, Mr. Taye Falola, indicated that they had not received the necessary court documents, asking for an adjournment.
Counsel to the 6th respondent, Mr. Nureini Jimoh (SAN), confirmed that they had filed a notice of preliminary objection on July 9 and were ready to move their application.
Lawyers representing the 5th and 8th defendants, Abdul Adamu (SAN) and Mr. Faruk Asekome, also requested an adjournment, citing that they had not been served the necessary documents.
Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, after considering the submissions, ruled that the service of court processes was essential and adjourned the matter to November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications.
The case continues to generate public interest due to the involvement of Ganduje, a prominent political figure and former Governor of Kano State.
