Proceedings in the high-profile corruption case involving former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have once again been pushed forward, as the Kano State High Court adjourned the matter to April 15, 2026. Ganduje is standing trial alongside his wife, Hafsat Umar; his son, Abdullahi Umar; and five other defendants over serious allegations of bribery, conspiracy, and the alleged diversion of public funds amounting to several billions of naira.
The former governor and his co-defendants are facing an 11-count charge that centers on the alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of state resources, as well as the acceptance of bribes during Ganduje’s tenure as the state’s chief executive.
Also named in the case are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, and three corporate entities—Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, the prosecution informed the court that it was fully prepared to proceed. Prosecuting counsel also drew the court’s attention to a motion dated November 24, 2025, requesting permission to submit additional proof of evidence in support of the charges.
However, progress was stalled as defence lawyers drew attention to several outstanding applications, urging the court to resolve those issues before the commencement of the substantive trial. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel to the defendants, informed the court of a motion filed on July 17, 2025, seeking a stay of proceedings.
Other defence counsel echoed similar positions. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the third and seventh defendants, referenced a pending motion dated May 23, 2025. Muhammad Shehu, counsel to the fifth defendant, told the court that an affidavit of fact had been filed, noting that an application for stay of proceedings was already before the Court of Appeal.
In addition, Abubakar Ahmad, who appeared for the sixth defendant, disclosed that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection along with an application seeking an extension of time to respond on points of law. Both filings were dated February 2, 2026. In contrast, Faruk Asekome, counsel to the eighth defendant, stated clearly that his client was ready to proceed with the trial without further delay.
After listening to submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams, the presiding judge, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, ruled that the matter be adjourned until April 15, 2026. The next date is expected to be dedicated to the hearing and determination of all pending applications and preliminary objections.
The case has experienced multiple setbacks since its commencement, largely due to procedural challenges and legal technicalities. In an earlier development, the High Court had dismissed preliminary objections raised by the defence, holding that it had the jurisdiction to hear the case. That decision was subsequently challenged at the Court of Appeal. However, in October 2025, the appellate court struck out the appeal on the grounds that the record of appeal had not been properly transmitted.
As the legal battle continues, the prolonged delays have kept the case firmly in the public eye, with many observers closely watching how the courts will ultimately resolve the numerous procedural hurdles surrounding the trial.
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