The Kano State High Court has fixed January 14, 2026, for the arraignment of former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, over alleged irregularities surrounding the ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
Kano Times reports that Ganduje, who governed Kano State between 2015 and 2023, is facing criminal charges instituted by the Kano State Government in connection with an alleged fraudulent transfer of the state’s equity in the dry port project.
The former governor was charged alongside his associate, Abubakar Bawuro; his family lawyer, Adamu Aliyu-Sanda; and a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello.
They are to answer to a 10-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
Justice Yusuf Muhammad, who presided over the matter, ordered on November 26 that the defendants be served with the charge and hearing notice through substituted means following an application by the state government’s counsel, Muhuyi Magaji.
The court directed that service be effected at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, its Abuja annex, as well as Ganduje’s residence at No. 8, Haile Selassie Street, Abuja. Ganduje currently serves as the Chairman of FAAN.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, including Kano State’s 20 per cent equity, to private interests under the guise of a firm identified as City Green Enterprise.
The state government further alleged that over ₦4.49 billion in public funds was diverted for infrastructure projects at the dry port, including road construction, power supply and perimeter fencing, purportedly for private and family benefit.
The prosecution also claimed that due process was not followed in the divestment of the state’s shares and accused Ganduje of using his position to eliminate Kano State’s stake in the project.
Investigations revealed that Ganduje’s children were later appointed as directors and shareholders of the company, each allegedly allotted five million shares, effectively removing the Kano State Government from the ownership structure.
The Kano State Government said it would call several witnesses, including government officials allegedly induced to sign documents facilitating the disputed transactions.
The matter was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for arraignment and further proceedings.
