The Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has transferred the corruption case involving the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others to a different court.
News About Nigeria reports that the case, which was previously under the jurisdiction of Kano High Court number 4, presided over by Justice Usman Malam Na’abba, will now be heard by Justice Amina Adamu at Court 7, located on Miller Road.
According to the court’s spokesman, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the transfer was made in accordance with the powers vested in the office of the Chief Judge, which allows for the direction and transfer of a case at any stage, as long as it has not reached the level of judgement.
Ganduje, his wife, son, and five others face eight counts of alleged bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of funds amounting to billions of naira.
The other defendants include Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises.
Specifically, Ganduje is accused of receiving $200,000 from a contractor in exchange for government contracts between January 2016 and February 2017. He is also accused of collecting an additional $213,000 as a kickback from the Kantin Kwari textile market remodelling project.
Further charges involve Ganduje, his spouse Hafsat Umar, and businessman Abubakar Bawuro, allegedly conspiring to convert N1.376 billion earmarked for health sector supplies. The funds were allegedly diverted through Safari Textiles Ltd.
Ganduje is also accused of misappropriating plots of land at Zawachiki layout and converting the state government property, the Kano Cotton Ginnery, at a significantly undervalued price.
The Kano State Government assembled 15 witnesses to testify against the defendants, who are accused of engaging in a series of corrupt activities.
