The trial of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and seven co-defendants over alleged bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds has been adjourned until October 14, 2026.
The decision was made on Wednesday by the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, following proceedings on several pending applications before the court.
Ganduje, Wife Face Multiple Corruption Charges
Ganduje is standing trial alongside his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six other defendants on an 11-count charge involving the alleged misappropriation of billions of naira in public funds.
Other defendants named in the suit include Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
The charges border on allegations of bribery, conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and financial misconduct.
Prosecution Seeks to Amend Application
During the hearing, counsel to the prosecution, Victor Oni, informed the court that the state government was prepared to proceed with the matter.
He disclosed that the prosecution had filed a fresh motion dated May 15, 2026, and requested permission to withdraw an earlier application filed on March 31, 2026.
Oni urged the court to replace the earlier motion with the updated application, which was accompanied by a counter-affidavit and a fresh written address responding to a preliminary objection and application for stay of proceedings filed by the sixth defendant.
Defence Teams Raise No Objection
Counsel representing Ganduje, his wife, and their son, Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, told the court that the defence had no objection to the prosecution’s request.
She also represented Chief M.N. Duru (SAN), counsel to the third and seventh defendants, who similarly did not oppose the application.
Lawyers representing the fifth and eighth defendants equally indicated their readiness to proceed with the case.
However, counsel to the sixth defendant, Abubakar Ahmad, informed the court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection, a counter-affidavit, and a written address challenging aspects of the proceedings.
He subsequently requested a date for the hearing of his application.
Court Fixes October 14 for Hearing
After listening to the submissions of all parties, Justice Adamu-Aliyu struck out the prosecution’s earlier motion dated March 31, 2026.
The judge then adjourned the matter until October 14, 2026, for the hearing of the sixth defendant’s preliminary objection.
The adjournment means the substantive trial will remain on hold until the court determines issues raised in the pending application.