A Kano State High Court on Monday adjourned the trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and seven others over alleged bribery, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds until November 26, 2025.
The case, instituted by the Kano State Government, involves an 11-count charge accusing Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and son Umar Abdullahi Umar, alongside Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited, of diverting billions of naira in public funds.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel to the State Government, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), told the court that the prosecution was ready to open its case, with witnesses already in court. He urged the judge to dismiss the defendants’ applications and allow the matter to proceed.
However, the defendants’ legal teams said they were not ready. Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, representing Ganduje, his wife, and son, explained that although their affidavit had been filed on July 17, 2025, service had not yet been effected. She requested an adjournment to enable proper service.
Counsel to the third and seventh defendants, Chief M.N. Duru (SAN), also requested an adjournment, noting that they had filed a motion on further affidavit dated May 21, 2025. Counsel to the fifth defendant, Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), said they had filed an application for a stay of proceedings before the Court of Appeal.
Similarly, counsel to the sixth and eighth defendants, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad and Mr. Abdulrazaq A. Ahmed, informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection and were not ready to proceed. Ahmed further stated that the case was only for mention due to rescheduling from an earlier hearing date.
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu subsequently directed all parties to file and serve their pending motions before the next sitting. She adjourned the matter to November 26, 2025, for the hearing of all outstanding applications.
