The Kano State government has reported that protesters who stormed the Kano State High Court during the recent nationwide demonstrations made off with crucial documents related to the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The State High Court was among the properties vandalized and looted by hoodlums during the #EndBadGovernance protest. On Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited the court to assess the damage.
The governor was accompanied by Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar of the High Court Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and several judges during the inspection.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf described the incident as a “staged-managed mission,” alleging that the vandals were hired to disrupt the corruption proceedings against Ganduje, who faces multiple charges in court.
“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of the historic public buildings with the aim of averting corruption charges against the Acting National Chairman of the APC and former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family, and aides,” Tofa said in a statement.
The statement further noted that the miscreants had caused extensive damage to nearly all units of the High Court, including the office of the state Chief Judge, with losses exceeding N1 billion. They reportedly stole office equipment, destroyed offices, set vehicles ablaze, and damaged other materials crucial to the administration of justice.
Governor Yusuf called on the youth of Kano State to avoid being exploited by detractors to engage in violence. He encouraged them to focus on skill acquisition for a better future, emphasizing that the government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Kano’s residents.
The governor also expressed his condolences to Chief Judge Dije Abdu Aboki and the entire judiciary over the incident, urging them to recover what was lost to ensure justice is served.
Yusuf commended the people of Kano for their support and cooperation with the current administration and prayed for continued peace, stability, and economic development in the state.
