The trial of former Kano State governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and eight co‑defendants has been delayed because the defense has not yet filed its pending applications. The Kano State Government brought an 11‑count charge against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, and six others, accusing them of bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation and diversion of public funds amounting to billions of naira.
The case was due to continue on Monday, but the defense team told the court they were not ready to proceed. State Government counsel Adeola Adedipe said the prosecution was prepared to open its case, with witnesses already present in court. Nevertheless, the defense requested an adjournment, citing unresolved applications and motions. Ganduje’s counsel, Lydia Oluwakemi‑Oyewo, argued that a more comprehensive affidavit filed on 17 July 2025 had not been properly served on all parties. Other defense lawyers, including Chief M. N. Duru and Mr. Sunusi Musa, also informed the court of pending motions, such as a stay of proceedings before the Court of Appeal.
Justice Amina Adamu‑Aliyu directed all parties to ensure that their pending motions are filed and served before the next sitting. Consequently, the trial has been adjourned to 26 November 2025 for the hearing of all outstanding applications.
The proceedings represent a significant development in Nigeria’s anti‑corruption efforts, with the Kano State Government seeking to hold public officials accountable for alleged mismanagement of public funds. The charges—bribery, conspiracy and diversion of public money—are serious, and the case is being closely watched for its implications for transparency and accountability in governance. Although the adjournment has delayed the trial, the court’s directive to file and serve pending motions is expected to enable a smoother hearing in November. The trial’s outcome will be pivotal, determining the defendants’ fate and signalling the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
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