The Kano State Government has filed new fraud charges against former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his Commissioner for Local Government Murtala Garo, and two others. The charges include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, making false statements, and criminal misappropriation.
According to the charge sheet, Ganduje, Garo, Lamin Sani, and Muhammad Takai are accused of mismanaging ₦57.4 billion from the statutory allocations for the 44 Local Governments, diverting the funds into personal and corporate accounts, including those of local government cashiers. The state further alleges that the accused converted some of the funds into dollars for personal gain.
The misappropriated funds were allegedly used to purchase several high-value properties, including a service apartment on Murtala Muhammad Way, a commercial apartment at Akoya Oxygen – x20868 in Tigerwood, and a plot at 2201 Floor 22 Damac Height in Marsa Dubai Marina. Additionally, the funds were allegedly used to build a multi-billion naira hotel in Jabi, Abuja, and acquire filling stations on Gwarzo Road and Eastern Bypass in Kano.
The state has indicated it will call 143 witnesses to testify in the case.