Kano govt files criminal charges against Ganduje, wife, son, others
The Northern Nigerian state of Kano has filed an eight-count charge against its immediate past governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The former governor is facing serious allegations related to bribery and corruption.
The state government filed an eight-count charge against Ganduje and seven others, including his wife Hafsat and son Umar, accusing them of various financial crimes. The charges include collecting $200,000 from a contractor as well as misappropriating funds earmarked for the purchase of face masks and hospital equipment.
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In a charge sheet The Cable claimed to have seen, which it said was filed before a Kano High Court, the NNPP-led state government said the offence contravened Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008.
Other defendants in the case are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises.
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The state government under Abba Kabir Yusuf also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent)”.
Ganduje and those close to him have always denied the allegation, saying the allegation was designed to bring the former governor to disrepute.
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Legal ramifications and charges
The charges brought against Ganduje and the other defendants carry serious legal consequences. The offences outlined in the charge sheet include official corruption, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust.
If found guilty, Ganduje could face significant penalties under the relevant laws governing such financial misconduct in Kano State. The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in governance to combat corruption effectively.
Implications and judicial process
The allegations against Abdullahi Umar Ganduje raise concerns about ethical conduct in public office and the misuse of public funds for personal gain. Of course, there are allegatons already that Governor Abba Yusuf is also enmeshed in shady deals that involve his familly.
