A Kano State High Court has adjourned until April 15 the trial of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and son, Abdullahi Umar, alongside five other defendants, over alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of naira.

The defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds. The remaining accused persons are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution told the court it was ready to proceed and drew attention to a motion dated November 24, 2025, seeking leave to file additional proof of evidence.

However, defence lawyers raised objections, informing the court that multiple applications were pending and must be resolved before the trial could continue.

Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel to some of the defendants, said the defence had filed a motion dated July 17, 2025, seeking a stay of proceedings.
Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the third and seventh defendants, also referred to a separate motion dated May 23, 2025.
In addition, Muhammad Shehu, counsel to the fifth defendant, told the court that an affidavit had been filed notifying it of a pending application for stay of proceedings before the Court of Appeal.
Abubakar Ahmad, counsel to the sixth defendant, informed the court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection and an application for extension of time to respond on points of law dated February 2, urging the court to fix a date for hearing.

Only Faruk Asekome, counsel to the eighth defendant, indicated readiness to proceed with the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, adjourned the matter to April 15 for the hearing of all pending applications and preliminary objections.

The trial has suffered repeated delays due to legal challenges. The high court had earlier dismissed preliminary objections raised by the defence as “incompetent” and affirmed its jurisdiction to hear the case.
That ruling was appealed by the defendants, who argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction. However, in October 2025, the Kano Division of the Court of Appeal struck out the appeal, citing failure to properly transmit the record of appeal.

-Guardian

The Legacy Support Group for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has reaffirmed its backing for the Federal Government’s reform policies, declaring support for what it described as a long-term recovery framework aimed at building a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference, the group’s National Patron, Chief Mike Okiro, represented by Chief Marcel Ezenwa, said the coalition was committed to “joining the train of Renewed Hope” as a pathway to a better tomorrow. He conveyed Okiro’s full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration’s reform direction is designed to reposition the country for sustainable growth and institutional stability.

Also addressing journalists, the group’s National Coordinator, Ezinna Chief Chima C. Duru, said the briefing was convened to respond to what he described as sustained negative narratives and political attacks against the Tinubu administration by opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors.”

He noted that while criticism is a legitimate feature of democracy, it must be constructive and fact-based, warning that politically driven misinformation could undermine necessary reforms.

-Leadership

The Kano People’s Rights Alliance (KPRA) has condemned what it described as Senator Rufai Hanga’s “inconsistent and flip-flopping stance” on the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group noted that the senator had previously criticised the Kwankwasiyya movement led by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as a “cult group,” but later praised its influence while attacking Governor Yusuf.

In a statement issued by its coordinator, Isyaku Lawal Tofa, the group accused the senator of lacking consistency, integrity and accountability in his recent public comments.

KPRA said Senator Hanga’s remarks on Governor Yusuf and the Kwankwasiyya political movement reflected what it termed an attempt to rewrite political history for personal gain.

According to the alliance, such contradictory positions raised serious concerns about the senator’s credibility and political integrity, warning that erratic leadership undermines public trust and confuses constituents.

The group also drew attention to corruption allegations involving the senator’s family, referencing a petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) by Isa Ado Maidoya, a former Chief of Staff and Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Hanga.

“This commentary raises serious questions about his integrity and the authenticity of his political stance. When a leader behaves in such an erratic manner, it not only confuses the constituents but erodes public trust in the political system entirely.

“The KPRA views such actions as a betrayal of the citizens of Kano, who deserve consistent leadership that upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.

“Integrity is a foundational tenet of effective governance. Politicians are entrusted with the sacred duty of representing their constituents’ interests. When representatives like Senator Hanga make contradictory statements and flip-flop on essential issues, they undermine the democratic principles they claim to uphold.

“Citizens of Kano need to ask: How can we trust Senator Hanga when he cannot seem to adhere to a consistent position? This uncertainty creates a volatile political climate that can lead to disillusionment among the electorate.”

The alliance urged Senator Hanga to take responsibility for his past statements, maintain principled political positions and address the allegations involving his family openly and transparently.

KPRA also called on Kano residents to remain vigilant and actively engage their representatives, demanding accountability and ethical conduct in public office.

The Kano People’s Rights Alliance calls for a return to principled and ethical political discourse in Kano State. “Our leaders must rise above petty squabbles and personal ambitions to serve the interests of the people effectively,” it added.

-Leadership