A Kano State High Court judge, on Wednesday, ordered substituted service on former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsa Ganduje, their son Jibrilla Muhammad, and four others in an alleged bribery case.
This development comes after the Kano State government’s attempt to personally serve them with the charges failed.
The eight-count charge accuses Ganduje, his family members, and three companies – Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises – of bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of public funds.
The Kano State government alleges the former governor received bribes amounting to N1.3 billion (US$2.9 million) in US dollars.
The court presided over by Justice Amina Adamu, gave the order following an application by the counsel to the State government, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata who stands in for the led prosecution counsel, Ya’u Adamu Esq.
The prosecution, despite having 15 witnesses prepared to testify, was unable to serve the defendants in person. This delay highlights potential challenges in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.
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Meanwhile, Justice Adamu adjourned the matter till July 11th, 2024 forpnhearing and ordered all parties involved to present their fiat to the court.
Substituted service is a legal procedure used when personal service proves impractical. In this instance, the court has authorized alternative methods to deliver the charges, such as publishing them in a newspaper or posting them at the defendants’ residences.
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