The Kano State Government has instituted a legal action before the Kano State High Court, seeking to recover its 20 percent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, alongside funds allegedly misappropriated to the tune of N4,492,387,013.76.
The defendants named in the suit include former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, 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 itself.
The parties involved face a ten-count charge were based on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.
According to court documents obtained by 21st Century Chronicle, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80% of Dala Inland Dry Port shares, that include the state government’s 20% equity, to private entities under a fictitious name, City Green Enterprise, in order to disguise the true ownership structure of the company.
The prosecution further alleged that over N4.49 billion earmarked for state infrastructure that include the construction of a double carriageway, installation of electricity, and perimeter fencing at the dry port was allegedly diverted for personal and family gain.
The defendants were also accused of abuse of office and conflict of interest, allegedly using their official positions to manipulate public resources for private benefit, in violation of constitutional and financial regulations.
It was also gathered that court filings indicated that several key witnesses are expected to testify, including the lead investigator who uncovered the alleged fraudulent transactions and an early stakeholder in the project who claims he was sidelined during the equity transfer.
The prosecution’s summary of evidence further alleges that the defendants utilized proxy companies and sham documents to conceal the real ownership of Dala Inland Dry Port shares, while channeling public funds into family-owned businesses and private ventures.
It was also alleged that the accused persons produced forged documents and misleading correspondences to deceive regulatory agencies and orchestrated multiple fund transfers through Safari Textile Ltd (STL Enterprise), resulting in the alleged diversion of N750 million belonging to the Kano State Government.
The charge sheet further disclosed that the 4th defendant, Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, was assigned to validate the state government’s equity ownership in line with a policy framework initiated during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. However, the subsequent transfer of shares was allegedly carried out without board consent and solely on the directive of the then Governor Ganduje.
The case has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Ubale of the Kano State High Court No. 2, who will preside over the proceedings. The matter is slated for hearing on November 17, 2025, marking the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched political and legal battles in the state’s recent history.
