…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has approached a state high court to issue an ongoing order preventing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from inviting him for questioning or investigating a controversial video.
The video, which surfaced in 2018, allegedly showed the ex-governor accepting cash from a contractor and concealing it in his traditional attire.
Denial and Committee Formation:
Despite Ganduje’s denial of the events depicted in the video, the Kano House of Assembly established a committee to investigate the allegations.
However, the committee’s report has yet to be presented, and a new assembly was inaugurated recently.
Request to Halt EFCC Investigation:
Meanwhile, the former attorney general of Kano has requested the court to prohibit the EFCC from proceeding with any investigation into Ganduje until a separate case involving the ex-governor and Jafaar Jafaar, the publisher of Daily Nigerian, is resolved.
In this situation, the EFCC is the sole party being sued.
Ganduje’s Arguments in Court:
Ganduje, through the former Kano attorney general, presented arguments to the court.
He sought a declaration that the EFCC’s interrogation and invitation of the chairman and accountant general of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) regarding the video were unlawful actions.
Among the prayers made, Ganduje requested that the EFCC should not exercise its investigative powers until the Kano House of Assembly concludes its investigation.
Pending High Court Case:
Furthermore, Ganduje argued that due to a pending case in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where he challenges the authenticity of the video, the EFCC should not exercise its investigative powers.
He requested the court to declare that the EFCC should wait for the High Court’s decision before proceeding with any investigation.
Uncertainty Regarding the Case:
It remains uncertain whether the new administration led by Abba Yusuf will continue with the case.
The outcome of this development will determine the course of the investigation and further legal proceedings.