Protesters who invaded Kano court carted away Ganduje’s corruption trial documents – Governor Abba Yusuf

The Kano State government has raised concerns over the theft of critical documents related to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The documents were reportedly stolen when hoodlums invaded and vandalized the Kano State High Court.

The state government had initiated legal proceedings against Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, their son Umar Abdullahi, and five others on charges of misappropriation and diversion of funds during Ganduje’s eight-year tenure as governor. These charges are central to the corruption trial currently underway.

On Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited the vandalized court premises to assess the extent of the damage. He was accompanied by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges.

According to Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, Yusuf expressed his belief that the vandalization was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the corruption trial against Ganduje. He claimed that “enemies of Kano State” hired miscreants to target the court with the specific aim of stealing documents crucial to the ongoing legal proceedings.

“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of the historic public buildings with a mission of averting corruption charges against the Ag. National Chairman of APC and former governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family, and aides,” Tofa said in a statement.

The statement further detailed the extent of the damage, noting that the miscreants destroyed nearly all units of the High Court, including the office of the state Chief Judge. The total loss is estimated to exceed N1 billion, encompassing stolen office equipment, destroyed offices, and burned vehicles.

Governor Yusuf urged the youth in Kano to refrain from engaging in violence and being used by detractors. He encouraged them to focus on acquiring skills for a better future, assuring them that the government is committed to protecting the lives and property of Kano’s residents.

The governor also expressed sympathy for the Chief Judge, Dije Abdu Aboki, and the entire judiciary, urging them to remain resilient in restoring the lost court proceedings to ensure justice is served. He concluded by thanking the people of Kano for their continued support and cooperation with the present administration, praying for sustained peace, stability, and economic development in the state.