The Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling in a high-profile case. The case involves the All Progressives Congress National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and seven others.
They face eight counts of bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds. The Kano State Government instituted the case.
The defendants include Ganduje; his wife, Hafsat Umar; Abubakar Bawuro; Umar Abdullahi Umar; Jibrilla Muhammad; and the firms Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
At the hearing, all defence teams challenged the court’s jurisdiction. They also filed applications for an extension of time.
Defence Submissions
Leading the defence for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, counsel Offiong Offiong (SAN) told the court, “We filed our preliminary objection dated November 18, 2024, supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and a written address. We also filed a reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025. We urge the court to grant our application.”
Counsel for the 3rd and 7th defendants, Adekunle Taiye-Falola, submitted his objection next. He stated, “In response to the complainant’s counter affidavit, we submitted a further and better affidavit dated December 12, 2024, along with a reply on point of law. We respectfully urge the court to grant the application.”
Representing the 5th defendant, Sunusi Musa (SAN) added, “We are seeking not just a grant of our application, but also substantial costs against the complainant.”
Counsel for the 6th respondent, Ashafa Yusuf, noted, “Our notice of preliminary objection was dated September 9, 2024. We filed a further and better affidavit on February 17, 2025, and a reply on point of law. We request the court to grant our reliefs.”
For the 8th defendant, Faruk Asekome said, “We have complied fully with the procedural requirements, and we ask the court to grant the application.”
The defence teams submitted detailed affidavits and legal replies. Their objections aim to challenge the court’s authority over the case and secure more time for their response. These submissions show the defence is well-prepared to contest the charges.
(This section of the article provides insight into the defence tactics used in high-profile corruption cases and the legal complexities involved.)
Prosecution Response and Court Decision
The prosecution was led by counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN). He argued against the defence motions and stated, “The state’s reply to the preliminary objection is dated October 22, 2024. It is backed by a seven-paragraph counter affidavit and a written address with supporting documents.”
He continued, “We urge the court to dismiss the applications in their entirety.”
Presiding over the matter, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu granted the applications for an extension of time. However, she reserved her ruling on the preliminary objections. She said,
“Ruling on the notices of preliminary objection is hereby reserved. A new date will be communicated to all parties in due course.”
The court’s decision on these objections will decide whether the trial proceeds or is dismissed. Both the defence and the prosecution now await the next hearing date.
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