The Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission
(PCACC) says it has engaged the services of Femi Falana, senior advocate of
Nigeria (SAN) in the suit involving Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the
state.
Usman Fari, counsel to the commission, spoke with journalists
on Friday after the case was adjourned.
BACKGROUND
In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a
video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which
he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit.
The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million
as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video.
But Ganduje had denied any wrongdoing, claiming the video
was doctored.
Recently, the commission said the video showing Ganduje receiving
kickbacks from a contractor is authentic.
Subsequently, the commission invited him for questioning
over the incident but the former governor did not honour the invitation.
Afterwards, Ganduje filed an ex parte motion to restrain the
commission from arresting and investigating him over the incident.
A.M. Liman, the presiding judge, had restrained the
anti-graft agency and seven others from arresting and inviting the former
governor pending the determination of the suit.
FRIDAY’S PROCEEDINGS
During the hearing, Basil Hemba, the counsel to Ganduje,
told the court that the applicant needed more time to respond to the
counter-affidavit filed by the agency.
The presiding judge adjourned the case till July 25.
Speaking with journalists, Fari said Falana, a human rights
lawyer, will lead the legal team that will represent the commission and other
respondents.
“He (Falana) was engaged by the commission to lead us in the
matter and we are very ready to proceed with the case,” he said.
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