Ganduje's Inland Port Trial Stalled in Kano High Court

The trial of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje concerning the ownership of a multi-billion naira inland port project has been stalled at the Kano High Court. Ganduje, alongside his aide Abubakar Bawuro and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shipper Council Hassan Bello, faces ten charges, including criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.

The charges were filed by the Kano State government, alleging that they conspired to transfer 80 percent of shares in the Dala Inland Dry Port, which includes the state government's 20 percent stake, to a private company, Citi Green Enterprises. The prosecution claims that N4.49 billion, belonging to the state, was misappropriated for infrastructure projects, including road construction and electricity supply.

The defense counsel, S. Gadanya, argued that the legal approval for the state’s legal team was meant for a different matter, requesting that previous proceedings be nullified.

However, the state’s lawyer R.O. Zakariyya countered that the prosecution had proper legal backing.

Justice Yusuf Ubal of the Kano High Court No. 2 adjourned the case, stating he would deliver a ruling on the defense's objection on May 6.