Amidst mounting legal pressure, the Kano state government has filed an eight-count charge against former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alleging his involvement in receiving $200,000 from a contractor.
The charge, filed before the Kano high court, accuses Ganduje and several others of violating the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008.
The defendants named in the case include Ganduje, his spouse Hafsat Umar, businessman Abubakar Bawuro, and various companies allegedly linked to the scheme.
Among the accusations is the alleged collection of kickbacks from individuals and entities involved in government contracts, as well as misappropriation of funds earmarked for the purchase of medical supplies.
The charge sheet outlines a series of transactions and agreements allegedly orchestrated by Ganduje and his associates to unlawfully benefit themselves and their family members. The state government asserts that forensic analysis of a video purportedly showing Ganduje receiving dollar notes from a contractor will be presented as evidence in the case.
This legal action comes after years of controversy surrounding Ganduje, including the release of a video in 2018 showing him allegedly accepting bribes from contractors.
Despite previous legal challenges, including a federal court ruling in his favor, Ganduje now faces renewed scrutiny as the Kano government seeks accountability for alleged corruption during his tenure as governor.
The unfolding legal battle against Ganduje underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable in Nigeria. As the case progresses, it is expected to have significant implications for Ganduje's political future and the broader anti-corruption landscape in the country.
