A Kano State High Court has set April 15, 2025, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections in the bribery and misappropriation case involving Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), along with his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others.

The Kano State Government has filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of bribery, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds worth billions of naira. Other defendants in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed the court of his readiness to proceed, stating that a motion had been filed seeking an extension of time to regularize a preliminary objection. Similarly, counsel for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, Mrs. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, confirmed their readiness for the defense.

However, some defense counsels requested more time to finalize legal processes. Adekunle Taiye-Falola, representing the 3rd and 7th defendants, requested an extension to reply to a further and better affidavit on points of law, while Sunusi Musa (SAN), counsel for the 5th defendant, also moved a motion for an extension of time, supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit and written address.

While some defendants were prepared to proceed, others, including counsel for the 8th defendant, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, requested additional time to file responses. Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, after considering the submissions, granted the applications for an extension of time and adjourned the case to April 15, 2025, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections.

With public interest surrounding the case, the next hearing is expected to focus on resolving preliminary legal matters before proceeding to the substantive trial.