Alleged misappropriation: Court to hear pending applications against Ganduje, seven others

A Kano State High Court on Wednesday fixed November 20, 2024, for hearing in pending applications in the ongoing case of alleged bribery and misappropriation against the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others.

The state government has instituted an eight-count charge bordering on bribery allegations, misappropriation, and division of public funds running into billions of naira against Ganduje and his wife, Hafsat Umar.

The other defendants include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

When the case was called for the hearing of the 6th defendant’s preliminary objection, the counsel to the state, Mr Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that he was not ready to proceed.

He stated, “My lord, we have filed our counter affidavit, and one of our witnesses is here before the court all the way from Lagos State.”

Meanwhile, counsel for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, Mr Offiong Offiong, SAN, indicated that he had not been served the preliminary objection or the plaintiff’s counter affidavit.

He emphasised, “My lord, we are not ready. We are asking for another date to move the application.”

Additionally, counsel for the 3rd and 7th defendants, Mr. Taye Falola, noted that he had yet to receive the applications and counter affidavit.

He stated, “We filed our preliminary objection on motion on notice dated and filed October 10, 2024. We humbly apply for another date for hearing.”

Counsel for the 6th respondent, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, mentioned that he filed a notice of preliminary objection dated July 9 and expressed readiness to proceed with the application.

Counsel for the 5th and 8th defendants, Abdul Adamu SAN, and Mr. Faruk Asekome, indicated they had not been served with the preliminary objection or counter affidavit.

They stated, “We equally filed our notice of preliminary objection dated October 17 and filed October 18. My lord, we are also asking for another date.”

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu emphasised the importance of service of processes and overruled the plaintiff’s application. She adjourned the matter until November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications.

It is noteworthy that the court had previously insisted on July 11, 2024, that the trial of the defendants must continue even in their absence.

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