Alleged Misappropriation: Court Adjourns Trial of Ganduje, Wife, Others for Hearing.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline
January 3, 2026.
A Kano State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the high-profile alleged misappropriation case involving a former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and several other defendants, fixing April 15, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The adjournment was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, following submissions by both the prosecution and defence counsel when the matter came up for hearing.
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Dr. Ganduje and his wife are standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds allegedly running into several billions of naira. The charges are said to relate to transactions that occurred during Ganduje’s tenure as governor of Kano State.
Other defendants in the suit include Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, as well as three corporate entities—Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
When the case was called, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Victor Oni, informed the court that the state was fully prepared to proceed with the trial. He drew the court’s attention to a motion on notice dated November 24, 2025, seeking leave to file additional proof of evidence against the defendants. According to the prosecution, the additional evidence is necessary to properly present the state’s case.
In response, lead defence counsel, Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, told the court that the defence was equally ready to proceed. However, she noted that the defence had earlier filed a motion on notice dated July 17, 2025, seeking a stay of proceedings pending the determination of certain legal issues.
Similarly, counsel to the third and seventh defendants, Mr. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, informed the court that he had filed a motion on notice dated May 23, 2025, which he said must be heard before the substantive trial could continue.
Counsel to the fifth defendant, Mr. Muhammad Shehu, told the court that he had filed an affidavit of facts notifying the court of an application for stay of proceedings already before the Court of Appeal, urging the trial court to take note of the development.
Also addressing the court, counsel to the sixth defendant, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, disclosed that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection alongside an application for extension of time to reply on points of law, dated February 2. He subsequently prayed the court to fix a date for the hearing of his applications.
Counsel to the eighth defendant, Mr. Faruk Asekome, on his part, informed the court that his client was ready to proceed with the case.
After listening to submissions from all parties, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu ruled that it would be procedurally appropriate to first hear and determine all pending preliminary objections and applications before delving into the substantive trial. She therefore adjourned the matter until April 15, 2026, for the hearing of all outstanding applications.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention due to the status of the defendants and the magnitude of the alleged financial misconduct, is being closely watched by legal observers and members of the public as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in public office.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 3RD 2026)
