Former Kano Governor Ganduje to Face Bribery Charges in April Arraignment

In a significant development that underscores the ongoing battle against corruption within Nigerian politics, the Kano State High Court has slated April 17 for the arraignment of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate-past Governor of Kano State and the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje, alongside his wife Hafsat, son Umar, and five others, faces serious allegations related to bribery amounting to approximately $413,000 and N1.38 billion. The case, set to be heard by Justice Usman Na’aba in Courtroom 4, has garnered widespread attention for its implications on the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The charges against Ganduje and his co-defendants include significant accusations of official corruption, kickbacks from government contracts, and the illegal conversion of public funds for personal use. These allegations, detailed in eight counts, mark a pivotal moment in Kano State’s legal efforts to address corruption at high levels of its political establishment.

Governor Abba Yusuf, Ganduje’s successor, has been vocal in his criticism of the former governor’s administration, particularly highlighting misappropriation of public funds and unethical land allocations. In anticipation of the trial, the Kano State Government has reportedly assembled a team of 15 witnesses prepared to testify against Ganduje and his associates.

The legal proceedings follow recent public demands by Governor Yusuf for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release its findings on an alleged bribery video involving Ganduje. Amidst these developments, Ganduje’s representatives have criticized the state government’s charges as belated and questioned their jurisdiction, pointing to a Federal High Court ruling that reserves the prosecution of such cases to federal agencies.

As the Kano State’s Attorney General, Muhuyi Magaji, moves forward with the charges under the authority granted by the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, this case emerges as a landmark in the country’s ongoing struggle with political corruption. The outcome of the arraignment and subsequent trial could have far-reaching consequences for governance and anti-corruption efforts in Kano State and beyond.