The Kano State government has reported that crucial documents related to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje were stolen during a recent invasion of the State High Court.
This incident occurred amid the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, during which the court was vandalized and looted by hoodlums.
The Kano government had filed charges against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, their son Umar, and five others, accusing them of misappropriation and diversion of funds during Ganduje’s eight years as governor. The theft of these documents has raised concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing legal proceedings.
On Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited the damaged court to assess the situation. He was accompanied by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar of the High Court Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges.
Governor Yusuf expressed his dismay at the destruction, stating, “It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of the historic public buildings with a mission of averting corruption charges against the Ag. National Chairman of APC and former governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family, and aides.”
According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the miscreants not only stole key documents but also caused extensive damage to the court’s facilities. “The miscreants destroyed virtually all units of the High Court, including the office of the state Chief Judge, resulting in losses of more than N1 billion through the theft of office equipment, destruction of offices, burning of cars, and other relevant materials crucial to the dispensation of justice,” Tofa said.
Governor Yusuf urged the youth of Kano to avoid being manipulated into participating in violence. He encouraged them to focus on acquiring skills for a better future, assuring them that the government would continue to prioritize the safety of lives and property in the state.
The governor also expressed his condolences to Chief Judge Dije Abdu Aboki and the entire judiciary, urging them to recover the lost court proceedings for the benefit of the public. He thanked the people of Kano for their ongoing support and cooperation with the current administration, and he prayed for continued peace, stability, and economic development in the state.