By Fatima Mukhtar
The Kano State Government has instituted legal action against former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, two of his sons, and several associates over alleged misappropriation of ₦4.49 billion linked to the Dala Inland Dry Port project.
In the suit filed before the Kano State High Court, the government is seeking to reclaim its 20 percent shareholding in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and recover funds it claims were diverted during the execution of the project.
According to court filings, those listed as defendants include Dr. Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; his former Special Adviser, Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello; legal practitioner Adamu Aliyu Sanda; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
The ten-count charge centers on allegations of fraudulent agreements, diversion of public resources, breach of trust, and abuse of office for personal enrichment.
Documents obtained by Weekend Trust reveal that the defendants allegedly conspired to transfer 80 percent of the company’s shares— including the state’s 20 percent stake— to private firms operating under the name City Green Enterprise, purportedly to disguise the true ownership structure.
The government further claims that funds earmarked for constructing a dual carriageway, providing power supply, and fencing the dry port facility were instead diverted for private use.
Prosecutors say the alleged actions violated public trust, financial regulations, and constitutional provisions guiding the use of state resources.
The case has been assigned to Kano State High Court No. 2, presided over by Justice Yusuf Ubale. The first hearing is scheduled to take place on November 17, 2025, where key witnesses—including an investigator and an original project stakeholder—are expected to testify.
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