Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Ganduje Amid Port Ownership Controversy

The former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is implicated in the Dala Inland Dry Port Limited ownership controversy, has received a temporary reprieve as the court has opted not to enforce an arrest warrant against him.

Alongside Ganduje, three other individuals are facing serious allegations including criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest involving a ten-count charge.

The Kano State Government, represented by counsel Ya’u Adamu, argued before the State High Court that ordering an arrest warrant was essential to ensure the presence of the defendants, due to their failure to appear at court proceedings.

However, the request was denied by the State High Court No. 2, with the presiding judge, Yusuf Ubale, determining that issuing a warrant at this moment would be premature.

Counsel for Ganduje, A.S. Gadanya, SAN, along with other defense lawyers, contested the state’s request, urging the court to address their preliminary objections before proceeding with any arraignment of the defendants.

Ganduje has lodged a formal objection against the service of court processes, asserting that this issue must be clarified prior to any consideration for a bench warrant. He is contending that the order for substituted service was invalid, asserting it goes beyond the court's authority.

The matter has now been adjourned until February 23 for the court to hear the preliminary objections, which Ganduje hopes will set aside the order.

The Kano State Government accuses Ganduje and his co-defendants of conspiring to illegally transfer 80 percent of shares from Dala Inland Dry Port, including the state's 20 percent stake, to private ownership under a fictitious entity named "City Green Enterprise."

Moreover, the allegations extend to claims that they misappropriated over ₦4.49 billion of state funds intended for infrastructure projects tied to the dry port, benefiting themselves and their families.

The defendants are also charged with abusing their official positions by diverting public resources for personal gain, in violation of financial regulations and constitutional standards.

Background information indicates that Ganduje surreptitiously shifted the state’s 20 percent stake in the port to private ownership, appointing his children as co-owners prior to allocating a contract exceeding ₦4 billion for infrastructure development related to the project.

This maneuver eliminated Kano State's stake in the port, positioning Ganduje’s children and his aide, Abubakar Bawuro, as both directors and shareholders. This transaction drew scrutiny as company records revealed a series of strategic changes to the board and shareholding structure, culminating in a significant concentration of ownership among Ganduje's family members in the company.

The state government has continuously asserted that due process was not adhered to during this divestment, accusing Ganduje of leveraging his political influence to compromise the state's interests in the venture.