Ganduje’s corruption trial stalled as defence lawyers fail to file motions; Kano court adjourns to November 26 for hearing of pending applications

The ongoing corruption trial of former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, and six others was on Monday stalled at the Kano State High Court due to the failure of the defendants to file their pending applications.

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The Kano State Government has filed an 11-count charge against Ganduje and his co-defendants, accusing them of bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

Others charged alongside the former governor include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

When the case was called, prosecution counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution was ready to open its case, noting that witnesses were already present.

He urged the court to dismiss the pending defence applications and proceed with the hearing.

However, defence counsel Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, representing Ganduje, his wife, and son, requested an adjournment, explaining that their further and better affidavit filed on July 17, 2025, had not been properly served on all parties.

Similarly, Chief M. N. Duru (SAN), counsel to the 3rd and 7th defendants, told the court they had filed a motion with a further affidavit dated May 21, 2025, and also sought an adjournment.

Other defence counsels raised various pending filings:

Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), for the 5th defendant, said they had filed an application for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, representing the 6th defendant, noted a notice of preliminary objection.

Mr. Abdulrazaq A. Ahmed, for the 8th defendant, argued that they believed the matter was only for mention since the last date was shifted.

In her ruling, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu directed all parties to file and serve their motions before the next sitting. She subsequently adjourned the case to November 26, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

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The adjournment marks yet another delay in the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public interest since charges were first filed against the former governor.