Alleged Naira Loot: Court Fixes April 15 For Ganduje, Wife’s Trial

A Kano State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the high-profile trial of former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and eight other defendants over alleged financial improprieties, fixing April 15 for the hearing of all pending applications.

Ganduje is facing trial alongside his wife, Hafsat Umar, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, misappropriation and diversion of public funds allegedly running into several billions of naira. Also docked are Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, as well as Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, led by a state counsel, Mr Victor Oni, told the court that it was ready to proceed with the case. 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, signalling the state’s intention to strengthen its case.

Responding, defence counsel, Mrs Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, informed the court that the defence was equally prepared to move forward. She disclosed that the defendants had filed a motion on notice dated July 17, 2025, seeking a stay of proceedings.

In the same vein, counsel to the third and seventh defendants, Mr Adekunle Taiye-Falola, told the court that he was ready to proceed and had also filed a motion on notice dated May 23, 2025.

Counsel to the fifth defendant, Mr Muhammad Shehu, said he had filed an affidavit of facts notifying the court of an application for stay of proceedings already before the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, counsel to the sixth defendant, Mr Abubakar Ahmad, informed the court 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, and urged the court to fix a date for hearing.

Counsel to the eighth defendant, Mr Faruk Asekome, also confirmed his readiness to proceed with the trial.

After hearing from all parties, the trial judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, adjourned the case until April 15 for the hearing of preliminary objections and all pending applications.

The case continues to draw public attention as it tests the resolve of the justice system to balance procedural safeguards with the growing demand for accountability in public office.