By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has instituted a high-profile suit before the State High Court, seeking to recover its 20 per cent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and reclaim funds allegedly misappropriated to the tune of N4,492,387,013.76.
According to court documents, the defendants in the charge include the former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; former Special Adviser to the Governor, Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello; a legal practitioner, Adamu Aliyu Sanda; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
The Daily Reality reports that the defendants are facing a ten-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.
The court record indicates that the suit was filed on October 13, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of the shares in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, including the state government’s 20 per cent equity, to private entities under the fictitious name “City Green Enterprise” in an attempt to conceal the company’s actual ownership.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants diverted over N4.49 billion of Kano State funds to execute infrastructure projects such as a double carriageway, electricity supply, and perimeter fencing at the dry port for their personal and family benefit.
In addition, the defendants were accused of abuse of office and conflict of interest, allegedly using their official positions to manipulate public resources for private gain, contrary to financial and constitutional provisions.
The prosecution listed several key witnesses, including the lead investigating officer who uncovered the alleged fraudulent transactions, and an early stakeholder in the project who was reportedly sidelined during the equity transfer process.
The summary of evidence alleges that the defendants used sham entities and proxies to conceal ownership of the Dala Inland Dry Port shares, diverted public funds to family-owned firms and personal businesses, coerced the original project founders into relinquishing control, created false documents to mislead regulators, and facilitated the diversion of N750 million through Safari Textile Ltd (STL Enterprise).
The prosecution will also present evidence showing that the 4th defendant conducted a review confirming the Kano State Government’s 20 per cent stake in the dry port, in line with a policy document initiated under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
It further alleged that the purported transfer of shares was executed without the consent of other board members, and that the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, acted unilaterally to facilitate the move.
Although no date has been fixed for the hearing, the matter has been assigned to Kano State High Court 2, presided over by Justice Yusuf Ubale.