The Kano State government has reported that documents related to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje were stolen by protesters who invaded the State High Court during the recent nationwide demonstrations.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the Kano government had brought Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, his son Umar Abdullahi, and five others to court on eight charges related to misappropriation and diversion of funds during Ganduje’s eight-year tenure as governor. The court, a historic public building, was among the properties vandalized and looted by hoodlums during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited the court on Wednesday to assess the damage, was accompanied by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges.
Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated that the vandalization appeared to be a premeditated attack. He alleged that hired miscreants targeted the court specifically to steal documents related to the corruption charges against Ganduje, who is currently serving as the Acting National Chairman of the APC.
“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 that nearly all units of the High Court were damaged, including the office of the state Chief Judge, resulting in losses exceeding N1 billion. The miscreants reportedly stole office equipment, destroyed offices, and burned cars and other materials crucial to the administration of justice.
Governor Yusuf called on the youth of Kano State to resist being used by detractors to engage in violence. He urged them to focus on acquiring skills for a better future, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing the lives and property of Kano residents.
The governor also expressed his condolences to the Chief Judge, Dije Abdu Aboki, and the entire Judiciary for the unfortunate incident. He urged them to work diligently to recover what was lost in the court proceedings for the benefit of the common man. Additionally, Yusuf commended the people of Kano for their continued support and cooperation with the current administration, praying for ongoing peace, stability, prosperity, and economic development in the state.
