Kano govt sues ex-governor Ganduje, sons for ‘taking’ state’s stake in Dala dry port
The Kano State Government has taken former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to court, accusing him, his two sons, and several associates of mismanaging public funds and unlawfully taking control of the state’s stake in a major project.
In a case filed before the Kano State High Court on October 13, 2025, the government is demanding the return of ₦4.49 billion allegedly misappropriated during Ganduje’s tenure as governor. The suit also seeks to recover the state’s 20 percent ownership share in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited a major logistics and trade project meant to boost Kano’s economy by serving as an import and export hub for northern Nigeria.
The defendants named in the suit include Ganduje himself; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, a former Special Adviser; Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Adamu Aliyu Sanda, a legal practitioner; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.
According to court filings, the state government alleges that during Ganduje’s administration, public funds were diverted and state assets were transferred illegally to private individuals under the guise of investment partnerships. The government’s legal team claims that the 20 percent equity originally belonging to Kano in the Dala Inland Dry Port was “unlawfully and fraudulently” taken away, depriving the state of its rightful benefits in the project.
The case is one of several investigations the current administration has launched into financial transactions that took place under the former governor. Since taking office, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has repeatedly accused his predecessor of corruption and financial misconduct, vowing to recover every kobo of public money allegedly stolen.
The Dala Inland Dry Port, located in Kano, was conceived as a key economic project to decongest Lagos ports and open up trade opportunities for northern businesses. It was expected to serve as an inland terminal for handling cargo directly from ships, cutting transportation costs and improving trade efficiency. However, according to the lawsuit, the project became a channel for questionable financial dealings and asset transfers.
The Kano government argues that Ganduje and his associates took advantage of their positions to illegally convert public investments into private ownership, reducing the state’s equity and transferring control to individuals with no legitimate claim. The suit further alleges that the funds amounting to over ₦4.49 billion were diverted under various pretenses, including consultancy services and project financing, without proper documentation or due process.
Sources familiar with the case say the government’s legal team is prepared to present financial records, corporate documents, and witness testimonies to prove that the transactions violated procurement laws and breached public trust. The state contends that the alleged actions not only robbed Kano people of valuable resources but also stalled development projects that could have improved the local economy and created jobs.
On the other hand, political observers believe the case may deepen the ongoing rivalry between Ganduje’s camp and Governor Yusuf’s administration. The two have been at loggerheads since the 2023 elections, with Yusuf accusing the former governor of leaving behind a “legacy of looting,” while Ganduje’s supporters insist that the current government is pursuing a political witch-hunt rather than genuine accountability.
This is not the first time Ganduje’s name has appeared in corruption-related controversies. During his time as governor, he faced allegations of collecting kickbacks from contractors, though he consistently denied any wrongdoing and described such claims as “fabricated lies” by his political enemies. The former governor, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has yet to officially respond to this latest lawsuit.
Legal experts say the case could have far-reaching implications, not just for Ganduje and his associates but also for the broader issue of political accountability in Nigeria. If proven, the recovery of ₦4.49 billion and the return of the state’s 20 percent stake in Dala Inland Dry Port could set a new precedent for reclaiming public assets diverted under past administrations.
Meanwhile, the court is expected to fix a date for the hearing soon. The Kano State Government has expressed confidence that justice will be served, stressing that the case is part of its wider anti-corruption drive aimed at restoring integrity to public service.
Officials close to the governor said the administration is determined to pursue every legal channel to retrieve public assets and funds allegedly stolen under previous governments. “This is not about politics,” one official reportedly said. “It’s about accountability and doing right by the people of Kano State. Every kobo of public money must be traced, recovered, and returned.”
The Dala Inland Dry Port controversy has also sparked public debate across the state. Many residents say they support the government’s effort to investigate and recover lost funds, arguing that corruption has slowed Kano’s development for years. However, others warn that the case should be handled carefully to avoid being seen as a political vendetta that could distract from governance.
For now, the case adds to the growing list of corruption-related disputes between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government in Kano and members of the opposition APC. As the matter moves to court, all eyes are on how the legal battle unfolds and whether it will bring about real accountability or simply deepen political divisions in one of Nigeria’s most politically charged states.
