A Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling in the case involving the former governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; his wife, Hafsat Umar; and six others, who are standing trial over allegations of bribery and misappropriation of public funds.
The Kano State Government filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to several billions of naira.
The other defendants in the case are Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
Defendants challenge court jurisdiction
During the court session, counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong, SAN, moved a motion seeking an extension of time.
He said, “We also filed our preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court, dated Nov. 18, 2024, along with a 28-paragraph affidavit and a written address in support.”
He added, “We also filed a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.”
On the other hand, counsel to the state, Mr. Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, filed a response in opposition to the preliminary objection.
“The application is attached with seven paragraph counter affidavit and a written address dated Dec.13, 2024 attached along with several documents as exhibits,” Adedipe stated.
He urged the court to dismiss the applications, describing them as lacking merit.
Multiple objections filed by co-defendants
Counsel to the 3rd and 7th defendants, Mr. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, also filed a preliminary objection dated Oct. 18, 2024, supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit and a written address.
“In reply to the complainant’s counter affidavit, we filed our further and better affidavit dated Dec.12, 2024 and a reply on point of law. We urge the court to grant the application as prayed,” he submitted.
Similarly, counsel to the 5th defendant, Mr. Sunusi Musa, SAN, filed a motion on the same date, backed by an affidavit, exhibit, and a written address.
He said, “We also filed our affidavit, reply on point of law, and urged the court to grant the application with substantial costs against the complainant.”
Counsel to the 6th respondent, Mr. Ashafa Yusuf, also filed a notice of preliminary objection dated Sept. 9, 2024.
“My Lord, we filed a further and better affidavit dated Feb. 17, supported by an 11-paragraph affidavit. We also filed a reply on point of law and urged the court to grant the application,” he said.
Likewise, Faruk Asekome, counsel to the 8th defendant, submitted a notice of preliminary objection dated Oct. 18, 2024.
“In reply to the complainant’s counter-affidavit, we filed our further and better affidavit and reply on point of law dated Feb. 13, 2025, and urge the court to grant the application,” Asekome said.
Court grants extension, ruling date to be communicated
Presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, granted the application 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.
