Kano govt charges Ganduje, wife with $413,000, N1.38bn bribery

The Kano State Government has taken legal action against former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, and his son Umar, over allegations of bribery totaling $413,000 and N1.38 billion. The state has gathered 15 witnesses to testify against Ganduje in court.

The charges, filed on April 3, 2024, also include Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises as co-defendants. Governor Abba Yusuf, upon assuming office, accused Ganduje of misappropriating public funds and granting land plots to members of his immediate family.

One of the charges states that Ganduje, while serving as the Governor of Kano State, corruptly demanded and received $200,000 as a benefit from a contractor who was awarded a contract by the Kano State Government. Another count alleges that Ganduje dishonestly collected a kick-back of $213,000 from individuals and entities involved in the execution of a Kano State Government contract for the remodeling of the Kantin Kwari textile market.

The state government further alleges that Ganduje, together with his spouse Hafsat Umar and businessman Abubakar Bawuro, conspired to convert N1.376 billion for their own use. The funds were earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector.

The charges were filed by the Kano State Attorney General, Muhuyi Magaji, who is empowered by relevant legal provisions to initiate criminal proceedings against the defendants.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has established two committees to investigate allegations of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons during Ganduje’s administration. The governor has made it clear that anyone found guilty will face appropriate legal consequences.

Justice Zuwaira Yusuf will chair the commission responsible for investigating political violence and missing persons, while Justice Faruk Lawan will head the commission tasked with probing the misappropriation of public properties. The governor stressed that the investigations are not politically motivated or aimed at witch-hunting individuals, but rather a commitment to justice and accountability.

The committees have been given a timeline of three months to complete their investigations and submit their reports.

The Kano State Government’s actions demonstrate its determination to combat corruption and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of the people. The legal proceedings against Ganduje and the establishment of investigative committees reflect the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.