Alleged misappropriation: Court adjourns trial of Ganduje, others until April 15, for hearing

A Kano State High Court has fixed April 15 for hearing of pending applications in the ongoing trial of a former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and others, over alleged misappropriation.

The defendant is standing trial alongside his wife Hafsat Umar, on an 11-count charge bordering on bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

Others charged are: Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd.

When the case was called, the prosecution, a state counsel, Mr Victor Oni, informed the court that he was ready to proceed.

He informed the court of a motion on notice dated Nov. 24, 2025, seeking the leave of court to file additional proof of evidence against the defendants.

On her part, defence counsel, Mrs Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, told the court that they were ready to proceed, adding that the defence had filed a motion on notice dated July 17, 2025, for stay of proceedings.

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

Counsel to the fifth defendant, Mr Muhammad Shehu, informed the court that he had filed an affidavit of facts to notify the court of an application for stay of proceedings before the court of Appeal

Counsel to the sixth defendant, Mr Abubakar Ahmad, also informed the court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection and an application for extension of time to reply on points of law, dated Feb. 2.

He, consequently, sought a date for hearing of his application.

Also, Counsel to the eighth defendant, Mr Faruk Asekome, told the court that he was ready to proceed.

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