A Kano State High Court has dealt a significant blow to former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , now the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), by dismissing his motion to halt the ongoing bribery and corruption trial against him. The court’s ruling reaffirms its jurisdiction to prosecute Ganduje, his wife, Prof. Hafsat Umar, and six other defendants in a case involving alleged misappropriation of billions of naira in public funds .
Key Details of the Ruling
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu ruled that the charges filed by the Kano State Government were valid and within the court’s authority. She dismissed preliminary objections raised by Ganduje’s legal team, labeling them “incompetent” and ordered the trial to proceed. Notably, the court will continue proceedings in absentia for Ganduje and six co-defendants, while a summons was issued to Lamash Properties Limited , the sixth defendant.
The Charges and Accused
The defendants face 11 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds , including:
- Abubakar Bawuro
- Umar Abdullahi Umar
- Jibrilla Muhammad
- Corporate entities: Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited .
Legal Back-and-Forth
Ganduje’s wife and co-defendants had filed objections in November 2024, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction. However, prosecution counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN , countered that the motions were baseless, urging their dismissal “in the interest of justice.”
What’s Next?
The court adjourned the case to July 30 and 31, 2025 , for further hearings. This delay prolongs the scrutiny of Ganduje’s alleged involvement in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases.
Call to Action (CTA):
- Engage: Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below. Do you think the trial will lead to accountability?
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Final Thought:
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in tackling corruption. Will Ganduje and his co-defendants face justice, or will legal tactics prolong the battle? Let’s discuss.
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