Kano, April 15, 2025 — The Kano State High Court has reserved its ruling on a series of preliminary objections in the ongoing high-profile corruption case involving former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, son Umar, and five others.
The Kano State Government has filed eight counts of bribery and misappropriation of public funds against the defendants, alleging that $413,000 and ₦1.38 billion were illicitly received and misused.
Other defendants named in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, and three companies: Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
At Tuesday’s hearing, counsels for the various defendants presented several applications contesting the court’s jurisdiction and seeking other preliminary reliefs.
Lead counsel for Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong (SAN), filed a motion for an extension of time and challenged the court’s jurisdiction. His application was supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and a written address, alongside a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.
In response, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), representing the Kano State Government, opposed the objections. He filed a seven-paragraph counter-affidavit, a written address dated December 13, 2024, and attached exhibits, urging the court to dismiss the applications.
Several other defence counsels followed suit:
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Adekunle Taiye-Falola, for the 3rd and 7th defendants, filed a preliminary objection with a 14-paragraph affidavit and additional filings.
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Sanusi Musa (SAN), counsel for the 5th defendant, filed a motion on notice and sought substantial costs against the complainant.
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Ashafa Yusuf, representing the 6th respondent, submitted both a notice of objection and further affidavits.
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Faruk Asekone, for the 8th defendant, filed a five-paragraph affidavit and supporting documents, also asking the court to rule in his client’s favour.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the extension of time and adjourned proceedings. She announced that a new date for ruling on the preliminary objections would be communicated to all parties in due course.
