The Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved its ruling on a series of preliminary objections filed in the ongoing high-profile case against the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and seven others facing an eight-count charge involving bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds.
The case, brought by the Kano State Government, names Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and five others — Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd — as co-defendants.
At Tuesday’s hearing, legal representatives for all defendants presented various preliminary objections contesting the jurisdiction of the court and sought extensions of time for the filing of related processes.
Lead counsel for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, Offiong Offiong (SAN), argued their preliminary objection filed on November 18, 2024, was supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and a written address. A reply on point of law dated April 4, 2025, was also submitted. “We urge the court to grant our application,” Offiong said.
Opposing the objections, lead prosecutor Adeola Adedipe (SAN) insisted the applications lacked merit. “Our reply is dated October 22, 2024, supported by a seven-paragraph counter affidavit and a detailed written address. We ask the court to dismiss the applications entirely,” Adedipe told the court.
Similar objections were raised by counsel for the other defendants. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the 3rd and 7th defendants, presented a preliminary objection dated October 18, 2024, and additional filings in December.
Sunusi Musa (SAN), counsel for the 5th defendant, also sought dismissal of the charges and requested the court award substantial costs against the prosecution. Likewise, counsel for the 6th and 8th defendants, Ashafa Yusuf and Faruk Asekome respectively, made similar arguments supported by further affidavits and legal submissions filed between September 2024 and February 2025.
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, who presided over the proceedings, granted the applications for an extension of time to the defendants. However, she withheld ruling on the preliminary objections.
“Ruling on the notices of preliminary objection is hereby reserved. A new date will be communicated to all parties in due course,” Justice Adamu-Aliyu said.
The court’s decision on jurisdiction will be pivotal in determining whether the trial proceeds or is dismissed at this stage.