A Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling on a series of preliminary objections filed in the ongoing corruption trial involving former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and seven others.
The Kano State Government had filed an eight-count charge against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, his son Umar, and five others, accusing them of bribery and misappropriation of public funds totaling $413,000 and ₦1.38 billion.
Other defendants in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
During the hearing on Tuesday, counsel for the defendants presented various applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction, seeking either dismissal of the case or an extension of time to respond.
Lead counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong (SAN), informed the court that a preliminary objection had been filed on November 18, 2024, supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and written address, as well as a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.
In response, counsel to the Kano State Government, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the objections, describing them as lacking merit. He cited a counter-affidavit dated October 22, 2024, and a written address backed by exhibits and filed on December 13, 2024.
Counsel representing the 3rd and 7th defendants, Mr. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, also filed a preliminary objection dated October 18, 2024, supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit and written address. He noted that a further and better affidavit dated December 12, 2024, had also been filed in response to the complainant’s submissions.
Similarly, Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), counsel to the 5th defendant, presented a motion on notice dated October 18, 2024, supported by an affidavit, an exhibit, and a written address. He asked the court to grant his application with substantial costs awarded against the complainant.
For the 6th defendant, Mr. Ashafa Yusuf filed a notice of preliminary objection dated September 9, 2024, supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit and a written address. A further and better affidavit dated February 17, 2025, was also submitted.
Counsel for the 8th defendant, Mr. Faruk Asekone, filed a preliminary objection dated October 18, 2024, along with a five-paragraph affidavit and written address. He later submitted a reply on point of law and further affidavit dated February 13, 2025.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the application for an extension of time to the defense team and adjourned the matter. A new date for the ruling on the preliminary objections will be communicated to all parties in due course.
