Former governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, a former special adviser to Ganduje; Hassan Bello, former executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; a legal practitioner, Adamu Aliyu Sanda, and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited are facing prosecution over alleged misappropriation to the tune of N4.49 billion.
Report has it that the Kano State Government filed a suit before the State High Court against the defendants seeking to reclaim its 20 per cent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and recover funds allegedly misappropriated by the immediate-past governor of the state.
The latter and others in the same boat are reportedly facing a 10-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust and conflict of interest.
The incumbent government in Kano accused them of conspiracy to “fraudulently” transfer 80 per cent shares of Dala Inland Dry Port, including the Kano State Government’s 20 per cent equity to private entities under a fictitious name, “City Green Enterprise,” to conceal the true ownership of the company.
The defendants are also alleged of diverting over N4.49 billion belonging to the state government for infrastructure projects, including a double carriageway, electricity and perimeter fencing at the dry port, allegedly executed for personal and family benefit.
Also levelled against them was abuse of office and conflict of interest, with claim that they used official positions to manipulate public resources for private gains, in violation of financial and constitutional provisions.
The case has been assigned to Kano State High Court 2, presided over by Justice Yusuf Ubale and is scheduled for hearing on November 17, 2025.
