A Kano State High Court has adjourned the trial of Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State and seven other defendants to April 15.
They are facing charges related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and their son, Abdullahi Umar are among the accused, facing an 11-count charge that includes bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds totaling billions of naira.
The other defendants include Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd.
During the resumed proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to proceed and highlighted a motion dated November 24, 2025, seeking leave to file additional proof of evidence against the defendants.
However, several defense attorneys raised pending applications that must be resolved before the trial can continue.
Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel for the defendants, noted that a motion was filed on July 17, 2025, requesting a stay of proceedings.
Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the third and seventh defendants, also brought the court’s attention to a motion dated May 23, 2025.
Muhammad Shehu, representing the fifth defendant, stated that an affidavit had been filed, notifying the court of an application for a stay of proceedings currently before the Court of Appeal.
Abubakar Ahmad, counsel to the sixth defendant, informed the court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection and an application for an extension of time to respond to points of law, dated February 2. He requested that a hearing date be set.
Faruk Asekome, representing the eighth defendant, indicated he was ready to proceed with the case.
After hearing from both sides, Amina Adamu-Aliyu, the presiding judge, adjourned the case until April 15 for the hearing of all pending applications and preliminary objections.
The trial has faced repeated delays due to legal challenges. Previous rulings by the Kano State High Court upheld its jurisdiction to hear the case, dismissing the defense’s preliminary objections as “incompetent.”
The defendants appealed this decision to the Court of Appeal in Kano, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction.
In October 2025, the appellate court dismissed the appeal, citing improper transmission of the record of appeal.
(Witnessngr)
