Kano State government has confirmed that critical documents related to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje were stolen when hoodlums attacked the State High Court during a nationwide protest.
According to DailyTrust, the state government had previously charged Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, their son Umar Abdullahi, and five others with eight counts of misappropriation and diversion of funds during Ganduje’s tenure as governor.
The court, which was among the properties targeted during the #EndBadGovernance protest, suffered extensive damage.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited the court on Wednesday to inspect the destruction, was briefed by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, along with the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges.
Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, revealed that the governor condemned the vandalism, describing it as a deliberate act aimed at undermining the corruption case against Ganduje.
“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of the historic public buildings with the intent of thwarting the corruption charges against Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family, and his aides,” Tofa stated.
The governor’s office reported that the looters caused extensive damage, affecting nearly every section of the High Court, including the office of the state Chief Judge.
The losses, which include stolen office equipment, damaged offices, and burned vehicles, are estimated to exceed N1 billion.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf called on the youth of Kano State to avoid being exploited by those seeking to incite violence.
“I urge our young people to focus on acquiring skills for a better future instead of engaging in destructive activities,” Yusuf said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kano’s residents.
The governor also expressed his condolences to Chief Judge Dije Abdu Aboki and the entire judiciary, urging them to continue their work to ensure justice prevails.
“The judiciary must rise to the challenge and recover what has been lost in the court’s proceedings for the benefit of the common man,” Yusuf added.
He further praised the people of Kano for their support of his administration and prayed for continued peace, stability, and economic development in the state.
