A Kano State High Court has postponed the hearing in a high-profile case involving Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his wife, Hafsat Ganduje, and six other individuals, who face allegations of bribery and misappropriation. The case is now scheduled to resume on November 20, 2024.
The Kano State government brought an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of engaging in bribery, misappropriating funds, and diverting public resources worth billions of naira.
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In addition to Ganduje and his wife, the case involves Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, as well as companies Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
During the latest court session, which took place on Wednesday, the focus was on addressing the preliminary objection of the 6th defendant.
However, the lead prosecutor, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that they were unprepared to proceed despite having filed a counter-affidavit.
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A key witness had also arrived from Lagos, but issues with document service caused delays.
Offiong Offiong, SAN, representing Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, requested additional time, citing that they had not received the relevant legal documents, including the preliminary objection and counter-affidavit.
Counsel for other defendants echoed similar concerns. Mr. Taye Falola, representing the 3rd and 7th defendants, stated that he was still waiting for the necessary documents, although he had filed a preliminary objection on October 10, 2024.
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Counsel for the 6th defendant, Nureini Jimoh, SAN, declared readiness to proceed, as his notice of preliminary objection had been filed since July 9.
However, Abdul Adamu, SAN, and Mr. Faruk Asekome, representing the 5th and 8th defendants, also requested more time, noting that their notices were only filed recently, on October 18, 2024.
In response, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu highlighted the importance of ensuring all parties receive proper documentation.
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Due to incomplete service of the required legal documents, she adjourned the hearing to November 20, 2024, when all pending applications will be considered.
