BREAKING: Court Rejects Arrest Warrant For Ganduje Over Dala Dry Port Controversy

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, currently standing trial over alleged irregularities in the ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, received a temporary reprieve on Wednesday after a State High Court declined an application seeking his arrest.

Ganduje, along with three co-defendants, faces a 10-count charge that includes criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.

The Kano State Government filed the charges against Ganduje, his former aide Abubakar Bawuro, his lawyer Adamu Aliyu-Sanda, and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello.

At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the state government’s counsel, Ya’u Adamu, requested the court to issue a bench warrant, citing the defendants’ failure to appear in person. Invoking Section 388 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano State, he argued that an arrest order was necessary to compel their attendance.

However, Justice Yusuf Ubale of State High Court No. 2 at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex ruled that issuing a bench warrant at this stage would be premature.

Ganduje was represented by A. S. Gadanya (SAN) and other defence lawyers, who opposed the application. The defence requested that the court first address their preliminary objections before considering any arraignment or arrest order.

Specifically, Ganduje challenged the service of court processes, describing it as defective and unlawful. He asked the court to set aside the order for substituted service, arguing that it was invalid, null, and ultra vires, as jurisdictional questions relating to service must be resolved before substantive proceedings.

Justice Ubale upheld the defence request and adjourned the matter to February 23 for the hearing of the preliminary objections.

According to the prosecution, Ganduje and his co-defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80% ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port—including the Kano State Government’s 20% equity—to private individuals under a fictitious company named “City Green Enterprise.”

The state further alleged that the defendants diverted over ₦4.49 billion in public funds to execute infrastructure projects at the dry port, including a double carriageway, electricity supply, and perimeter fencing, for their personal and family benefit.

The prosecution also accused the defendants of abuse of office and conflict of interest, claiming they exploited their official positions to redirect public resources in violation of financial and constitutional regulations.

The case will continue on February 23, when the court is expected to determine whether it has jurisdiction to proceed with the trial.