Dollar video: Falana to handle suit against Ganduje

The Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) says it has engaged the services of Femi Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in the suit involving Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state.

Usman Fari, counsel to the commission, spoke with journalists on Friday after the case was adjourned.

BACKGROUND

In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit.

The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video.

But Ganduje had denied any wrongdoing, claiming the video was doctored.

Recently, the commission said the video showing Ganduje receiving kickbacks from a contractor is authentic.

Subsequently, the commission invited him for questioning over the incident but the former governor did not honour the invitation.

Afterwards, Ganduje filed an ex parte motion to restrain the commission from arresting and investigating him over the incident.

A.M. Liman, the presiding judge, had restrained the anti-graft agency and seven others from arresting and inviting the former governor pending the determination of the suit.

FRIDAY’S PROCEEDINGS

During the hearing, Basil Hemba, the counsel to Ganduje, told the court that the applicant needed more time to respond to the counter-affidavit filed by the agency.

The presiding judge adjourned the case till July 25.

Speaking with journalists, Fari said Falana, a human rights lawyer, will lead the legal team that will represent the commission and other respondents.

“He (Falana) was engaged by the commission to lead us in the matter and we are very ready to proceed with the case,” he said.