A Kano State High Court has scheduled April 17, 2024, for the arraignment of the former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside his wife, son, and five others, over alleged bribery charges.
The charges against Ganduje and the co-accused include eight counts related to a $413,000 bribery allegation, as well as diversion and misappropriation of funds amounting to N1.38 billion, among other accusations.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Abdullahi Liman clarified that the alleged offences are federal crimes, thus falling under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He noted the limitation of the Kano anti-graft agency in investigating the former governor.
In response, Governor Abba Yusuf urged the EFCC to disclose the outcome of its investigation into the alleged bribery video involving Ganduje. He emphasized that Ganduje should focus on his impending trial rather than criticizing the current administration.
A writ of summons issued by the Kano State Government for a criminal suit named Ganduje, his family members, and others as respondents, assembling 15 witnesses to testify in court. The case is set to be heard before Justice Usman Na’aba of the state High Court Number Four on April 17, 2024.
Confirming the development, the state Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, affirmed the filing of the case and assured that all involved parties would be duly served. He emphasized the inevitability of facing the consequences of one’s actions, highlighting that the alleged offences also fall within the realm of state jurisdiction, not solely federal affairs.
