An Upper Sharia Court sitting at Shahuci in Kano municipality has begun proceedings in a case instituted against Senator Rufai Sani Hanga over an alleged N124,800,070 unpaid campaign-related debt.
The suit was filed by Isa Ado Maidoya and other claimants, who allege that they carried out agreed services during the senator’s election campaign but have not received payment for their efforts as agreed.
When the matter came up before the court, presided over by Muhammad Sani, counsel to the plaintiffs outlined the grounds of the action, maintaining that the sum being sought represents compensation for services rendered during the campaign period among other aspects related to the election.
Plaintiffs’ lawyer, Barrister Abbas Sani Abubakar Mandawari, tendered documents and work samples which he said illustrated the assignments executed. He, however, requested additional time to consult further with his clients and properly arrange supplementary materials for submission before the court.
Counsel representing the defendant objected to the request, arguing that the plaintiffs were not adequately prepared to proceed with substantive arguments. He urged the court to strike out the suit, citing what he described as a lack of diligence in prosecuting the case.
In his ruling, the judge declined the application for dismissal, stressing the importance of giving both parties sufficient opportunity to present their positions comprehensively.
The court granted the plaintiffs more time to consolidate their filings and the case was adjourned to April 21, 2026, for the plaintiffs to submit complete documentation, after which the defence is expected to file its formal response.
