The Kano State Government has filed a criminal suit against its immediate past Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and six co-defendants, alleging they diverted more than
₦4 billion of state funds.
These funds were designated as the state’s equity in the Dala Inland Dry Port.
The 10-count charge (Suit No. KN/252/25) challenges the integrity of the seven individuals and one company, specifically leveling accusations of criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.
The accused, in addition to Dr. Ganduje, are: Hassan Bello (ex-Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council), Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar (Ganduje’s sons), Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro (former Special Adviser), Adamu Aliyu Sanda, and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
At the heart of the case is the accusation that the defendants criminally diverted the state’s ₦4.49 billion (20% equity) in the Dala Dry Land Port for their private use.
The charge sheet alleges the defendants conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 percent of the Dry Port’s shares, including the state’s portion, to private entities masked by the fictitious name “City Green Enterprise” to conceal ownership.
Moreover, the prosecution claims the defendants diverted the ₦4.49 billion to pay for infrastructure like a double carriageway, electricity, and fencing at the dry port, directly benefiting themselves and their families.
The defendants face additional accusations of abuse of office and conflict of interest, stemming from claims that they allegedly used their official positions to manipulate public resources for private financial gain, violating established financial and constitutional regulations.
The prosecution’s summary of evidence alleges the defendants used “sham entities as proxies” to conceal the true ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port shares and diverted public funds to family-owned firms and personal businesses.
The fraudulent scheme, according to the charge, began by coercing the original project founders into giving up control, allowing them to keep only nominal shares.
The defendants then allegedly created false documents and misleading letters to deceive regulatory authorities. Finally, they orchestrated a chain of transactions—specifically through Safari Textile Ltd (STL Enterprise)—to facilitate the diversion of ₦750 million in state funds.
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