The trial of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds has suffered another setback. Proceedings were stalled on Monday at the Kano State High Court after the defendants failed to file their pending applications.
The case, filed by the Kano State Government, involves an 11-count charge of bribery, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds running into several billions of naira.
Others charged alongside Ganduje include his wife, Hafsat Umar, his son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and business associates — Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed the court that his team was ready to proceed with the case. He said witnesses were present and urged the court to dismiss the defendants’ delay tactics.
However, defence lawyers for the Ganduje family and co-defendants sought adjournments, citing incomplete filings and procedural issues.
Counsel to the former governor, Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, told the court that their affidavits had not been properly served, and asked for more time to regularize documents.
Similarly, Chief M.N. Duru (SAN), representing two defendants, said a motion for further affidavit dated May 21, 2025, was pending, while Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), for the fifth defendant, said an application for a stay of proceedings had been filed before the Court of Appeal.
Other defence counsels, including Mr. Abubakar Ahmad and Mr. Abdulrazaq Ahmed, also noted that they had filed preliminary objections and were not ready to proceed.
In her ruling, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu warned that the court would not entertain further delays. She directed all parties to file and serve their pending motions before the next sitting.
The judge then adjourned the case to November 26, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The case marks one of the most closely watched corruption trials in recent Nigerian political history, as Ganduje, who served two terms as Kano governor, faces accusations of bribery and diversion of public funds linked to video evidence that went viral during his tenure.
