Witness Detained at Airport in High-Profile Ganduje Corruption Trial
A crucial witness in the ongoing multi-billion-naira port ownership case involving former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has been apprehended at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, sparking serious concerns about potential interference in the judicial process. The arrest of principal witness Ahmad Rabiu occurred on Wednesday as he prepared to board an Air Peace flight to Abuja, with plainclothes officers from the Kano State Police Command executing the detention.
Airport Interception Raises Judicial Integrity Questions
According to confirmed reports, Mr. Rabiu was intercepted within the departure lounge just moments before boarding his scheduled aircraft. His aide, Hanif Umar, revealed that authorities cancelled his flight immediately and provided no clear justification for the arrest at the time of the incident. Notably, Rabiu was accompanied by Aminu Dabo, a prominent Kano political figure and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, when the detention occurred.
This development follows weeks after Rabiu formally reported receiving life-threatening intimidation due to his decision to testify before the Kano State High Court. In legal statements submitted through his attorneys, Rabiu detailed how threats escalated significantly after he agreed to serve as a prosecution witness in the criminal proceedings initiated by the Kano State Government regarding Dala Inland Dry Port Limited ownership.
Complex Legal Battle Over Port Ownership
The case centers on serious allegations against Ganduje and multiple co-defendants facing ten distinct charges including criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office, and conflict of interest. Other individuals named in the indictment include Ganduje's aide Abubakar Bawuro, his legal counsel Adamu Aliyu-Sanda, and former Nigerian Shippers' Council Managing Director Hassan Bello.
Prosecutors allege the defendants orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently transfer eighty percent of Dala Inland Dry Port shares, including Kano State's twenty percent equity stake, to a private entity operating under the fictitious designation City Green Enterprise. This transfer allegedly resulted in Ganduje's children and his aide Bawuro becoming directors and shareholders in the company, followed by a contract exceeding four billion naira awarded for port infrastructure development.
Legal Maneuvers and Judicial Proceedings
On January 14th, Ganduje filed a preliminary objection before State High Court No. 2 at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex, challenging the validity of substituted service of court documents. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria A.S. Gadanya, the former governor argued the order for substituted service was invalid, a nullity, and exceeded the court's jurisdictional authority. Defense counsel additionally opposed the state government's application seeking Ganduje's arrest for failure to appear in court.
Presiding Judge Yusuf Ubale granted the request to hear preliminary objections and adjourned proceedings until February 23rd. The case continues to attract significant national attention as these legal battles unfold.
Prosecution Alleges Systematic Witness Intimidation
State prosecutor Muhuyi Magaji characterized Rabiu's arrest as a deliberate attempt to interfere with justice administration. "This arrest is clearly aimed at tampering with the case and intimidating a key witness," Magaji asserted. He further revealed that the prosecution has prepared multiple witnesses, including government officials who allegedly faced coercion to sign documents facilitating the disputed share transfers and public fund diversions.
According to detailed prosecution allegations, over 4.49 billion naira in Kano State funds were diverted to finance infrastructure projects at the dry port, including a double-carriageway, electrical installations, and perimeter fencing. The state government contends these projects primarily benefited the defendants personally and their families, violating established financial regulations and constitutional provisions.
Background of the Ownership Dispute
Investigations previously uncovered that Kano State's twenty percent stake in Dala Inland Dry Port was secretly transferred to private ownership, effectively terminating the state's shareholding in the strategic project. This development occurs against a backdrop of political maneuvering, with Ganduje recently returning from vacation in Dubai and preparing for consultations regarding Kano State political developments, amid reports of current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf considering defection to the All Progressives Congress.
The witness arrest has intensified scrutiny on Nigeria's judicial processes and anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the challenges faced in high-profile cases involving powerful political figures. As proceedings resume later this month, legal observers and anti-corruption advocates will closely monitor whether witness protection mechanisms prove adequate against alleged intimidation tactics.
