In a significant development, a Kano State High Court, under the able stewardship of Justice Hafsat Sani Yahya, has delivered a stunning blow to corruption by remanding the Former Managing Director of the State-owned Agric Company, KASCO, in prison. This decisive action follows the revelation of shocking allegations, accusing the former MD of embezzling a staggering sum of N3.2 billion from the State Treasury.
During the latest court hearing on Wednesday, the Prosecution Counsel unrelentingly pressed ten count charges against Bala Muhammad Inuwa and his Son Bala Inuwa Muhammad Junior. The charges revolve around the alleged persistent sharing of the embezzled N3.2 billion amongst their cronies.
Among the recipients of these illicit monies were the former Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and the APC National Chairman, Foundation, “Ganduje Foundation,” which purportedly received the eye-watering amount of N30 million.
One of the charges also contends that the accused transferred a staggering sum of N68 million, equivalent to $100,000 dollars, to an individual named Musbahu Suleiman.
Stating their case with utmost conviction, the Prosecution Counsel, Zaharadeen Hamisu Kofar Mata, confidently asserted that they have meticulously presented before the court all the necessary charges and compelling evidence against the accused person. Fervently praying the court to proceed with the prosecution, Kofar Mata left no room for doubt regarding their preparedness for the trial.
In response, the Defense Counsel, Professor Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, expressed their objection to the bail application put forth by the defendant’s Counsel. Aliyu emphasized that the previous bail enjoyed by the accused was merely administrative and did not fully account for the seriousness of the charges now levied against them.
Alternatively, the Defense Counsel argued that the Prosecution seemed overly eager to proceed with the case, even without providing the defendant with the proper facilities and resources to mount an effective defense. Calling for a halt to the proceedings, Aliyu urged the Court to reconsider.
Upon thorough consideration, the presiding Judge, Hafsat Sani Yahya, expertly weighed the arguments presented before her. In her astute ruling, Judge Yahya concluded that the prosecution had indeed submitted ample evidence to warrant the continuation of the case against the accused individuals.
Consequently, the Judge instructed the Defense Counsel to submit a fresh bail request, assuring them that she was ready and willing to deliberate on the matter. Following this momentous decision, the Judge set the next hearing for the substantive matter on 6th December 2023, fortifying the prospect of justice being served.
