Court orders trial in absentia for Ganduje, wife, others, declines bench warrants for defendants

Justice Aminu Adamu Aliyu, presiding over a Kano State High Court, has decided not to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, and six other defendants accused of diverting public funds.

The court instead opted to proceed with their trial in absentia.

Justice Aliyu explained that she made her decision based on concerns about the potentially volatile political climate in the state, fearing that some individuals might exploit the court’s actions to incite violence or unrest.

She then struck out the prayers for a bench warrant against the former governor and his wife.

Despite refusing to issue a bench warrant, the judge emphasized that the defendants, who were duly served with court papers through alternative means but chose not to appear in court, would still face trial in their absence.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Mr. Adeola Adediyo (SAN), had requested that the court issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Ganduje, his wife, and six other defendants.