A Kano State High Court has barred the federal government from interfering with the funds of Kano State’s 44 local governments. The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Musa Ibrahim Karaye, followed a review of evidence presented by local government officials.
The legal action stemmed from a case initiated by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who sought to prevent the disbursement of funds. The APC alleged irregularities in the local government elections held in October 2024.
Prior to the final ruling, the court had issued an interim order to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and commercial banks, instructing them not to touch the funds until the case was resolved.
Barrister Bashir Yusuf Tudun Wuzirchi, representing the 44 local governments, confirmed the court’s decision, stating the ruling protects Kano State from hindering development by targeting local governments. The court upheld all requests and specifically prohibited the federal government from accessing the funds.
The APC’s legal representatives have not yet commented on whether they will appeal the decision. The ruling comes amid a strong political rivalry between the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the APC in Kano State, as they gear up for the 2027 general elections.
