Senator Hanga Faces Sharia Court Claim Over Alleged Unpaid 2023 Campaign Funds
KANO — Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, is defending a one-count civil claim before the Shahuci Upper Sharia Court regarding alleged unpaid campaign expenses from his 2023 election bid.
The lawsuit, filed by Isa Ado Medoya and several other plaintiffs, asserts that they rendered agreed-upon campaign services during Senator Hanga’s electioneering period but were not compensated. The total demand amounts to N124,800,070.
Proceedings commenced with the plaintiffs’ legal team, led by Barrister Abbas Sani Abubakar Mandawari, presenting their case. They submitted documents and samples to evidence the work performed and requested an adjournment to further verify and organize additional supporting materials for their claim.
Defense counsel opposed the request for more time, arguing the plaintiffs appeared unprepared for substantive arguments and urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.
Presiding Judge Muhammad Sani declined the application for dismissal. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs should be granted additional time to consolidate their filings, emphasizing the court’s duty to ensure both parties have a full and fair opportunity to present their cases. Consequently, the court adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026. On that date, the plaintiffs are expected to submit a complete set of their documented evidence, after which the defendant’s legal representatives will file a formal response.
The case highlights the intersection of political campaign finance and the jurisdiction of Sharia courts in Kano, which routinely adjudicate civil and commercial disputes. The adjournment provides a critical window for both sides to prepare their positions ahead of the next procedural stage.
