Fresh fraud charge against Ex-Gov, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Murtala Garo, and two others.

Kano Government Files Fresh ?57.4 B Fraud Charges Against Ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

The Kano State Government has filed fresh fraud charges against former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his former Local Government Commissioner Murtala Garo, and two other individuals. Premium Times Nigeria+2Punch Newspapers+2

Allegations in the Charge Sheet

• The defendants — Garo, Lamin Sani, and Muhammad Takai — are accused of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, making false statements or returns, and criminal misappropriation. Wikkitimes+1
• According to the state, they mismanaged the statutory allocations for all 44 Local Government Areas, funds which were remitted to the State Joint Local Governments account from the Federation Account. flowfm927.com+1
• The state alleges that ?57.4 billion was diverted through multiple personal and corporate accounts — including accounts owned by local government cashiers. The Nation Newspaper+2Pulse Nigeria+2
• Some of the funds were reportedly converted into foreign currency (dollars) for personal benefit. Pulse Nigeria+1

Alleged Illicit Acquisitions

The charge sheet claims the illicitly diverted funds were used to acquire numerous properties and assets, including:

• A service apartment on Murtala Muhammad Way, Kano Punch Newspapers+1
• A commercial apartment in Dubai (Akoya Oxygen, Tigerwood) and a plot at Damac Heights, Marsa Dubai Marina Premium Times Nigeria+1
• A multi-billion-naira hotel in Jabi, Abuja flowfm927.com+1
• Several filling stations along Gwarzo Road and the Eastern Bypass in Kano State Premium Times Nigeria+1

Legal Proceedings and Witnesses

The government has listed 143 witnesses in the charge sheet, including local government cashiers, bank employees, and other persons believed to have knowledge of the alleged transactions. The Nation Newspaper+1

As of the latest reports, no court date has been fixed for the trial. Punch Newspapers+1

This new allegation adds to a series of previous legal actions involving the former governor. The case is being closely watched by citizens and observers alike, as it could have major implications for accountability and public resource management.