Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday avoided arrest after a Kano State High Court declined an application seeking a bench warrant against him in a case involving alleged irregularities in the ownership structure of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
Mr Ganduje and three other defendants are facing a 10-count charge filed by the Kano State Government, bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
The state charged Ganduje alongside his former aide Abubakar Bawuro, his lawyer Adamu Aliyu-Sanda and the former managing director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Hassan Bello.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel to the state government, Ya’u Adamu, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the defendants, citing their failure to appear in person.
He relied on Section 388 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano State, arguing that an arrest warrant was necessary to compel their attendance.
However, the presiding judge, Yusuf Ubale of State High Court No. 2 sitting at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex, declined the application.
Justice Ubale ruled that issuing a bench warrant at that stage would be premature.
Ganduje was represented by A.S. Gadanya, who, along with other defence counsel, opposed the application.
The defence team urged the court to first hear and determine their preliminary objections before any arraignment or arrest order.
Ganduje specifically challenged the service of court processes, describing it as defective and unlawful.
He asked the court to set aside the order for substituted service, arguing that service-related issues are jurisdictional and must be resolved before substantive proceedings.
Justice Ubale upheld the defence request and adjourned the matter to February 23 for the hearing of the preliminary objections.
According to the prosecution, Ganduje and the other defendants allegedly conspired to transfer 80 percent ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port, including the Kano State Government’s 20 percent equity, to private individuals under a company identified as City Green Enterprise.
The state further alleged that over N4.49 billion in public funds was diverted for infrastructure projects at the dry port, including a double carriageway, electricity supply and perimeter fencing, for personal and family benefit.
The prosecution also accused the defendants of abuse of office and conflict of interest, alleging that they used their official positions to redirect public resources in violation of financial and constitutional regulations.
