Court fixes April 15 to hear preliminary objections in Ganduje’s ‘bribery’ trial

A high court in Kano has fixed April 15 for the hearing of preliminary objections in the suit against Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Kano state government had filed an eight-count charge bordering on bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds against Ganduje; Hafsat, his wife; Umar Abdullahi Umar, his son; and five others.

Other defendants in the case are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited

At the resumption of hearing on Thursday, Adeola Adedipe, counsel to the state government, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the applications.

Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel to Ganduje, his wife and son, told the court that she was ready to proceed.

Adekunle Taiye-Falola, counsel to the 3rd and 7th defendant, said he was not ready to move his preliminary objection.

“My lord, we filed our application for extension of time dated December 12, 2024, to reply and better our affidavit on points of law. We need to regularize our processes” he said

Sunusi Musa, counsel to the 5th defendant, said he had also filed a motion on notice for extension of time since January 7, supported by 10-paragraph affidavits and written address. He urged the court to grant the application.

Abubakar Ahmed, counsel to the 6th respondent, said he had filed a notice of preliminary objection since Septmeber 9, 2024, and was ready to proceed.

Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, counsel to the 8th defendant told the court he was not ready to move his application, adding that he intended to file and reply on points of law.

Amina Adamu-Aliyu, the presiding judge, granted all the applications for extension of time.

Adamu-Aliyu adjourned the matter to April 15, 2025 for hearing of all pending preliminary objections.