Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is standing trial over alleged irregularities in the ownership structure of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, on Wednesday received a temporary reprieve as a State High Court declined an application seeking his arrest.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ganduje and three other defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
The Kano State Government 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.
Relying on Section 388 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano State, Adamu argued that an arrest warrant was necessary to compel their attendance.
However, Justice Yusuf Ubale, presiding over State High Court No. 2 at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex, declined the application, ruling that issuing a bench warrant at this stage would be premature.
Ganduje was represented by A. S. Gadanya (SAN), who, alongside other defence counsel, opposed the state’s application.
The defence team urged the court to first determine their preliminary objections before any arraignment or arrest order could be considered.
Specifically, Ganduje challenged the service of court processes, describing it as defective and unlawful.
He prayed the court to set aside the order for substituted service, arguing that it was invalid, a nullity and ultra vires, as 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 fraudulently transfer 80 per cent ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port, including the Kano State Government’s 20 per cent equity, to private individuals under a fictitious company name, “City Green Enterprise.”
The state further alleged that the defendants diverted over ₦4.49 billion in public funds to execute infrastructure projects at the dry port, including a double carriageway, electricity supply and perimeter fencing, purportedly for their personal and family benefit.
The prosecution also accused the defendants of abuse of office and conflict of interest, alleging that they exploited their official positions to redirect public resources in violation of financial and constitutional regulations.
The case is expected to continue on February 23, when the court will determine whether it has jurisdiction to proceed with the trial.