Kano Chief Judge transfers Ganduje corruption case to new court

The Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has transferred the corruption case involving the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; and seven others to a new court.

The case, which was previously under the jurisdiction of Kano High Court number 4, presided over by Justice Usman Malam Na’abba, will now be heard by Justice Amina Adamu at Court 7, located on Miller Road.

Confirming the transfer, the court’s spokesman Baba Jibo Ibrahim stated, “The office of the CJ of the state has the power to direct and transfer a case at any stage so far it has not reached the level of judgement.”

Ganduje, his wife, son, and five others face eight counts of alleged bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of funds amounting to billions of naira. Alongside Ganduje and his family members, the other defendants are Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises.

The Kano State Government has assembled 15 witnesses to testify against the defendants. During the last hearing on April 29, 2024, the court was set to rule on a motion for substituted service but the defendants had not yet been served.

The charges span a series of alleged corrupt activities. Ganduje was accused of receiving $200,000 from a contractor in exchange for government contracts between January 2016 and February 2017. The second charge claims he collected an additional $213,000 as a kickback from the Kantin Kwari textile market remodeling project.

Further charges involved Ganduje, his spouse Hafsat Umar, and businessman Abubakar Bawuro, allegedly conspiring to convert N1.376 billion earmarked for health sector supplies. The funds were allegedly diverted through Safari Textiles Ltd.

Additional charges accused Ganduje of misappropriating plots of land at Zawachiki layout and converting the state government property, the Kano Cotton Ginnery, at a significantly undervalued price.

Ibrahim reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to justice and transparency in handling the case, stating, “The judiciary will ensure a fair trial and uphold the rule of law throughout the proceedings.”