A Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved ruling on a series of preliminary objections in the high-profile case of alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds filed against former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others.
The Kano State Government had filed an eight-count charge bordering on bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six others: Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
During the hearing, counsel to Ganduje and his wife, Offiong Offiong (SAN), sought an extension of time and urged the court to grant the application.
“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,” Offiong said.
“We also filed a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025.”
Responding, counsel to the state government, Mr. Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), submitted a counter-affidavit.
“The application is attached with a seven-paragraph counter affidavit and a written address dated Dec. 13, 2024, attached along with several documents as exhibits,” Adedipe said, urging the court to dismiss the defendants’ applications for lacking merit.
Mr. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, counsel to the 3rd and 7th defendants, also filed a preliminary objection.
“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 said.
Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), counsel to the 5th defendant, aligned with the objection.
“We also filed our affidavit, reply on point of law, and urged the court to grant the application with substantial costs against the complainant,” Musa stated.
Likewise, Mr. Ashafa Yusuf, representing the 6th defendant, submitted a notice of preliminary objection.
“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.
Counsel to the 8th defendant, Faruk Asekone, also made submissions.
“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,” Asekone said.
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the application for extension of time and adjourned the matter for ruling on the preliminary objections to a date that will be communicated to the parties later.
