Critical corruption case files stolen in Kano court vandalism

In a significant setback to ongoing legal proceedings, critical corruption case files against former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have gone missing following the recent vandalism, looting, and arson at the Kano State High Court.

The incident occurred amid violent nationwide hunger protests that spiralled out of control in parts of Northern Nigeria.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the court on Wednesday, confirmed that crucial documents related to the corruption charges against Ganduje, now the acting National Chairman of the APC, were among those stolen during the attack.

The theft has raised concerns about the impact on ongoing investigations and trials.

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During his tour, Governor Yusuf, accompanied by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, and other top judicial officials, expressed deep regret over the incident. He described the vandalism as a targeted attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the legal process.

“It is evident that this was a deliberate act by those who wish to derail the legal proceedings against former Governor Ganduje and his associates,” Yusuf stated. “The loss of these files is a significant blow to the justice system, and we will do everything in our power to recover them and bring those responsible to justice.”

The vandalism, which saw the destruction of over N1 billion worth of property, also resulted in the looting of office equipment, the burning of vehicles, and extensive damage to the court’s infrastructure. The office of the state’s Chief Judge, among others, was severely affected.

Governor Yusuf ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the courthouse and called for increased security measures to prevent future incidents. He also urged the youth to avoid being used by those with ulterior motives to engage in acts of violence and sabotage.

The Kano State Judiciary, in a statement earlier this month, lamented the unprecedented attack on its premises and announced that investigations were underway to track down the perpetrators.

The judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Ibrahim, confirmed that the missing files included sensitive exhibits, such as firearms, that were being held as evidence in ongoing cases.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among legal experts and the public, with many calling for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served. The loss of these critical documents poses a serious challenge to the prosecution of high-profile corruption cases and highlights the vulnerabilities within the judicial system.

Governor Yusuf has promised full cooperation with law enforcement agencies to recover the missing files and ensure that the legal process continues unimpeded. He also reassured the public of his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and delivering justice.