The inability of the Kano State government to serve criminal charges on the National Chairman, All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stalled the much anticipated arraignment of the former governor.
Ganduje was expected to be arraigned alongside his wife, Hafsat Ganduje, his son, Umar Abdullahi Umar and five others on eight count charges bordering on a $413,000 bribery allegation, diversion and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N1.38bn, among others.
When the matter came up before Justice Usman Malam Na’abba, only the 6th respondent through his counsel, Nureini Jimoh SAN was present in court while the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th respondents were absent in court.
Counsel to the Kano State government, Bar. Y. A. Adamu told the court that they could not serve the respondents personally.
Adamu, however, attempted to move an exparte motion application seeking to serve the respondents through substituted means but Counsel to the 6th respondent, Bar. Nureini Jimoh SAN objected.
Jimoh told the prosecution to do their homework, noting that there is no provision for service on criminal charges by exparte motion vowing to challenge such move at the Court of Appeal.
The Presiding judge, Justice Na’abba however, adjourned the matter till 29th April, 2024 for continuation.
Radio Nigeria recalled that the Kano State government had recently dragged Ganduje, wife, son and five others to court.
ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
