The Kano State government has revealed that documents crucial to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje went missing after protesters stormed the State High Court during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstration.
According to Daily Trust, the Kano government has filed eight serious charges against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, his son Umar Abdullahi, and five associates, all revolving around the misappropriation and diversion of funds amassed during Ganduje’s eight-year tenure.
The High Court was one of many properties vandalized and looted by unruly elements during the chaotic protests.
On Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally visited the court to assess the damage. He was guided through the wreckage by Attorney General Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges.
Speaking out against the incident, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, condemned the vandalism as a premeditated act carried out by hired thugs. “It is deeply regrettable that adversaries of Kano State orchestrated this attack, employing undesirable elements to plunder vital papers related to corruption charges against the Acting National Chairman of APC and former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, along with his family and aides,” Tofa stated.
The damage inflicted by the miscreants was catastrophic, affecting nearly every unit of the High Court, including the office of the Chief Judge. The estimated losses have reached over N1 billion, encompassing stolen office equipment, destroyed offices, burned vehicles, and other essential materials critical to the administration of justice.
In a call to action, Yusuf urged the youth of Kano to reject being pawns in the hands of corrupt politicians and to instead focus on skill acquisition for a brighter future. “The government will not waver in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of Kano citizens,” he affirmed.
The governor extended his condolences to Chief Judge Dije Abdu Aboki and the entire judiciary family over this distressing incident, encouraging them to rally together and overcome the setbacks in court proceedings for the benefit of the common man.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Kano for their unwavering support and cooperation with the new administration, praying for the continued peace, stability, prosperity, and economic development of the state.
