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A judicial panel in Sokoto State has accused the administration of former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of financial irregularities exceeding N117 billion, as a separate high profile corruption trial involving former Kano governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was again delayed in court.
The findings were presented on Wednesday when the Sokoto State government formally received the report of its Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to examine the conduct of the previous administration.
Submitting the report, the chairman of the commission, retired Justice Mu’azu Abdulkadir Pindiga, said the inquiry uncovered widespread violations of procurement rules, weak financial oversight, and abuse of executive authority during Tambuwal’s eight years in office.
Justice Pindiga said the alleged misappropriation involved more than N117 billion and resulted largely from non compliance with existing financial regulations and public procurement laws.
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He explained that the commission reviewed official documents, contract records, and financial statements, and also heard sworn testimonies from witnesses drawn from ministries, departments, agencies, and other stakeholders linked to the former administration.
According to him, the report is divided into five sections covering the background of the inquiry, testimonies received, detailed findings, recommendations, and a concluding summary to guide government action.
He praised members of the panel for carrying out their assignment with professionalism and fairness, saying the process was conducted without fear or favour.
Receiving the report, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the inquiry was not driven by political motives but by constitutional responsibility and public trust.
He said the government would set up a committee to produce a white paper based on the commission’s recommendations, adding that the process would be handled with sincerity and fairness to all parties involved.
Meanwhile in Kano, the criminal trial of former All Progressives Congress national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife Hafsa Umar, and six other defendants was adjourned on Wednesday following multiple pending court applications.
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The Kano State government has filed an eleven count charge against Ganduje and the other defendants, alleging bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.
Those standing trial alongside Ganduje and his wife include their son Umar Abdullahi Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, and three companies, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.
At the resumed hearing, lawyers on both sides informed the court of several unresolved applications, including preliminary objections and requests for a stay of proceedings.
Prosecuting counsel Victor Oni asked the court for permission to proceed with the trial but also sought leave to present additional evidence, referring to a motion filed on November 24, 2025.
Counsel to Ganduje, his wife, and son, Lydia Oluwakemi Oyewo, opposed the move and reminded the court of a pending application seeking to halt proceedings until an appeal before a higher court is decided.
Other defence lawyers raised similar objections, citing pending motions before the Court of Appeal and unresolved preliminary issues.
Faced with multiple applications, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu directed all parties to ensure proper service of their filings and adjourned the case until April 15, 2026, for the hearing of preliminary objections and all outstanding motions.
