The anticipated arraignment of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and seven others in a corruption case has once again been delayed as a Kano High Court fixes May 16th, 2024, for ruling on means of service.
Presiding over the proceedings, Justice Usman Malam Na’abba reserved the date following a heated exchange between the parties involved in the case.
During Monday’s hearing, the Prosecution counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, argued that a criminal charge could be effected by substituted means, citing Section 378 sub-section 5 of the Kano State ACJL. Adedipe emphasized that service on the defendant could be through his legal practitioner, surety, or an adult in his household.
However, counsel to the sixth respondent, Nureini Jimoh SAN, objected to the prosecution’s proposal, contending that the process of inviting the suspects to court had not been followed. Jimoh argued against the application for substituted service, asserting that proper legal procedures must be adhered to.
Jimoh, representing Lamash Properties Limited, emphasized that as a company, he could not be served through substituted means and urged the court to reject any application made ex parte as it would be contrary to the law.
In response, the prosecution counsel dismissed the defense’s argument as premature and preemptive, urging the court to consider the broader legal context.
Subsequently, Justice Na’abba fixed May 16th for ruling on the means of service, signaling a temporary halt in the proceedings.
It is noteworthy that the arraignment of Ganduje and his co-defendants, including his wife, son, and five others, has faced repeated delays due to challenges in serving criminal charges on them.
The charges include allegations of bribery amounting to $413,000, diversion, and misappropriation of funds totaling N1.38 billion, among others.
As stakeholders await the court’s ruling, the case underscores the complexities and legal intricacies involved in high-profile corruption trials, highlighting the importance of adherence to due process and procedural fairness in the pursuit of justice.