By Uzair Adam
A Kano State High Court has reserved ruling in the case involving former governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who is facing an eight-count charge of alleged bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.
The charges were filed by the Kano State Government against Ganduje and seven others, including his wife, Hafsat Umar.
Others listed in the suit are Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court entertained several applications from counsels representing the defendants.
Counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong, SAN, sought an extension of time and filed a preliminary objection dated November 18, 2024, challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
He also submitted a 28-paragraph affidavit, a written address, and a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.
Responding, state counsel Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the objections, describing them as lacking merit.
His response, dated October 22, 2024, was supported by a seven-paragraph counter-affidavit and a written address filed on December 13, 2024, along with attached exhibits.
Other defence counsels, including Mr Adekunle Taiye-Falola (3rd and 7th defendants), Mr Sunusi Musa, SAN (5th defendant), Mr Ashafa Yusuf (6th respondent), and Mr Faruk Asekone (8th defendant), filed separate preliminary objections supported by affidavits, written addresses, and further affidavits in response to the prosecution’s submissions.
All urged the court to grant their respective applications.
Presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, granted the application for an extension of time and adjourned the matter for ruling on the preliminary objections.
A new date will be communicated to the parties.