The Kano State Government has filed a lawsuit against former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, two of his sons, and several associates over the alleged diversion of ₦4.49 billion and the unlawful transfer of the state’s 20% equity in the Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
According to court filings, the suit was lodged on October 13 at the Kano State High Court and names seven defendants: Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello; former Special Adviser, Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; lawyer, Adamu Aliyu Sanda; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
The defendants face a 10-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, misappropriation of public funds, and conflict of interest.
Investigators allege that the defendants conspired to unlawfully transfer 80% of the company’s shares — including Kano State’s 20% equity — to private entities through a shell firm known as City Green Enterprise, thereby concealing ownership and diverting public assets.
The prosecution further claims that ₦4.49 billion earmarked for road construction, electricity installation, and fencing of the dry port was diverted for personal and family enrichment.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons allegedly used their official positions to manipulate government resources, in clear violation of financial regulations and constitutional provisions.
The prosecution also accuses the defendants of falsifying documents and creating sham transactions through proxy companies such as Safari Textile Limited (STL Enterprise) to siphon about ₦750 million into private accounts.
It was gathered that key witnesses will testify, including the lead investigating officer and an early project stakeholder who claims he was sidelined in the disputed equity transfer.
The state government also intends to tender policy documents dating back to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, which confirm Kano’s 20% ownership stake in the dry port project.
Although a trial date has not yet been fixed, the case has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Ubale of the Kano State High Court 2.
