The hearing of the case involving former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and seven others over alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds was on Monday stalled at the Kano State High Court following the defendants’ failure to file their pending applications.

The case, Instituted by the Kano State Government, involved an 11-count charge of bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

Those charged alongside Ganduje include his wife, Hafsat Umar, and son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, as well as Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

At the resumed hearing, Counsel to the State Government, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), told the court that the prosecution was fully prepared to open its case, adding that witnesses were already present in the court.

Adedipe, however, urged the court to dismiss the respondents’ applications and allow the matter to proceed without further delay.

But Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, Counsel to Ganduje, his wife, and son, informed the court that they were not ready for hearing, explaining that service of their filed affidavit had not been effected.

“My Lord, we are not ready. We served the parties, but service has not been effected. We seek an adjourned date,” she said.

Also, Counsel to the 3rd and 7th defendants, Chief M.N. Duru (SAN), told the court that they filed a motion on further affidavit dated May 21, 2025, and equally sought an adjournment to enable them regularize their processes.

Similarly, Counsel to the 5th defendant, Mr. Sunusi Musa (SAN), said they were not ready to proceed, adding that an application for a stay of proceedings had been filed before the Court of Appeal.

Counsel to the 6th respondent, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, also informed the court that they had filed a notice of preliminary objection and were therefore not ready for hearing.

In the same vein, Counsel to the 8th defendant, Mr. Abdulrazaq A. Ahmed, told the court that the case was only for mention since the earlier hearing date had been shifted, adding that they needed more time to prepare.

In her ruling, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu directed all parties to ensure that they file and serve their pending motions before the next sitting to avoid further delay in the proceedings.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until November 26, 2025, for hearing of all pending applications. (Daily Trust)