Kano Government Takes Ganduje and His Sons to Court Over Alleged ₦4.49bn Fraud Scandal

The Kano State Government has initiated legal proceedings at the State High Court against former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his two sons, and several associates, accusing them of financial impropriety.
Court filings reveal that the state is pursuing the recovery of its 20% equity in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, alongside public funds totaling ₦4,492,387,013.76, which are alleged to have been misappropriated.
The lawsuit, lodged on October 13, 2025, lists the defendants as Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; ex-Special Adviser Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; former Nigerian Shippers Council Executive Secretary Hassan Bello; legal practitioner Adamu Aliyu Sanda; and the company Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
The charges encompass ten counts, including conspiracy, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, and conflicts of interest.
Prosecutors contend that the accused conspired to unlawfully transfer 80% of the dry port’s shares-including the state’s 20% stake-to a private entity named City Green Enterprise.
This transaction is alleged to have been orchestrated to obscure the actual ownership of the project, which was originally intended to stimulate Kano’s economic growth.
“The defendants intentionally commandeered a federal project, employing intermediaries and fictitious companies to mask the misappropriation of assets meant for Kano’s populace,” the prosecution asserted.
Investigations indicate that over ₦4.49 billion in public funds, purportedly allocated for infrastructure such as roadworks, electricity, and perimeter fencing at the dry port, were diverted.
The prosecution further claims these infrastructure projects, financed by the state, were manipulated to advantage businesses connected to the defendants and their families.
An insider familiar with the probe described the actions as a blatant violation of public trust and a calculated effort to enrich private interests with state resources.
“State funds were channeled into projects designed to serve private and familial gains. This represents not only a breach of fiduciary duty but a systematic plundering of public wealth,” the source explained.
Evidence submitted shows that the initial board of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited included a state appointee, Abdullahi Haruna.
Nonetheless, investigators allege that Ganduje executed the share transfer unilaterally, bypassing the board’s consent.
“The prosecution will demonstrate conclusively that the equity transfer lacked legality and transparency. Crucial board members were excluded. A governor does not possess the authority to unilaterally divest state assets to private parties,” stated the prosecution.
The trial is anticipated to feature testimonies from pivotal witnesses, including the lead investigator and a former board member who claims exclusion from key decisions.
Additionally, a policy document from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo will be introduced to substantiate Kano State’s 20% ownership stake in the dry port.
Prosecutors also allege the use of forged documents to mislead regulatory bodies and claim that ₦750 million was routed through Safari Textile Ltd (STL Enterprise), identified as one of several shell companies implicated in the scheme.
The case has been assigned to High Court 2 of the Kano State Judiciary, under the jurisdiction of Justice Yusuf Ubale, though a trial date remains pending.
A senior official from the Kano State Ministry of Justice emphasized that the government’s priority is asset recovery and enforcing accountability.
“Our commitment lies in reclaiming all misappropriated funds and safeguarding public resources. This pursuit is about justice and transparency, not personal grievances,” the official affirmed.
Attempts to reach Ganduje or his legal team for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.