$413,000 Bribery: Ganduje to Receive Charges via Newspapers
Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Faces Bribery Charges
A significant development unfolded on Wednesday as a Kano State High Court ordered the substituted service of bribery charges against the immediate-past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje. Justice Amina Aliyu mandated that the charges be published in two national daily newspapers.
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Details of the Charges
The prosecution, led by Zahradeen Kofar Mata, has accused Ganduje and several co-defendants, including his wife Hafsat and son Abdullahi, of various financial crimes. The charges include:
- $413,000 and ₦1.38bn in bribes
- Misappropriation of funds earmarked for public projects
Court Proceedings
The charges, initially filed in April, have faced multiple delays due to difficulties in serving the defendants. At the latest hearing, the prosecution’s motion for substituted service was granted, allowing the charges to be served via newspaper publication.
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Specific Allegations
- Bribery as Governor:
- Between January 2016 and February 2017, Ganduje allegedly received $413,000 in kickbacks from contractors awarded projects by the Kano State Government.
- Misappropriation of Funds:
- Between September 2020 and March 2021, Ganduje, along with his wife and a businessman, allegedly diverted ₦1.376 billion intended for healthcare supplies.
Legal Arguments and Court’s Decision
Nureini Jimoh (SAN), counsel for one of the defendants, opposed the prosecution’s motion for substituted service. However, the court upheld the prosecution’s request, citing Kofar-Mata’s authority to represent in financial crime matters. The judge adjourned the case to July 11, directing all counsel to present their authorization documents.
The case against Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-defendants marks a critical juncture in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The forthcoming court sessions will be pivotal in determining the legal outcomes of these serious allegations.
