The Federal High Court in Kano has scheduled July 21 for the hearing of an application filed by former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, seeking to halt the investigation into the alleged dollar bribery videos. Ganduje’s application is based on the enforcement of his fundamental human rights to fair hearing, private and family life, and the acquisition and ownership of property.
Previously, the court had granted an ex-parte motion on July 7, restraining the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and other respondents from inviting or harassing the former governor in relation to the viral videos. However, during the recent court session, the PCACC’s counsel informed the court that the respondents were served with the court process on July 10, and as per court rules, they have five working days to file their responses.
The respondents in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police (Kano State), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Federation, and the Attorney General of Kano State. Counsel for Ganduje, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the SSS agreed with the PCACC’s counsel, leading to the adjournment of the case to July 21 for the hearing.
Additionally, Dr. Ahmad Garba Kofar Wambai, who had sought to join the suit as a co-applicant with Ganduje, withdrew his application after the PCACC’s lawyer pointed out that the ex-parte order already covered Kofar Wambai and other appointees of the former governor. The PCACC lawyer also noted that the order had significantly affected the activities of their clients.
