Ganduje, Wife Battle Corruption Charges as Court Reserves Ruling

A Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling in the high-profile corruption case involving former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others. The case, brought by the Kano State Government, centres on allegations of bribery and misappropriation of public funds amounting to several billions of naira.

The eight-count charge names additional defendants: Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

During proceedings, counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong, SAN, moved a motion for an extension of time and raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He cited a 28-paragraph affidavit and a reply on point of law filed in support of the objection.

Opposing the motion, counsel to the state, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, submitted a counter affidavit and accompanying documents, arguing that the application lacked merit.

Other defence lawyers, including Mr. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, Mr. Sunusi Musa, SAN, Mr. Ashafa Yusuf, and Mr. Faruk Asekome, also submitted various preliminary objections and supporting affidavits on behalf of their clients, urging the court to grant their respective applications.

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the request for an extension of time and adjourned the matter. She noted that the ruling on the preliminary objections would be communicated to all parties at a later date.