Witness in Ganduje’s Port Ownership Case Arrested at Kano Airport
A key prosecution witness in the ongoing multi-billion-naira port ownership case involving former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has been arrested at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, sparking fresh concerns over witness intimidation and the integrity of the trial.
The witness, Ahmad Rabiu, was reportedly detained by officers of the Kano State Police Command while attempting to board an Air Peace flight to Abuja. Sources familiar with the incident said Rabiu was intercepted at the boarding gate by plainclothes officers and prevented from travelling. No official reason for his arrest had been disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Rabiu is a central witness in the Kano State Government’s criminal case over the controversial ownership restructuring of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited, a strategic logistics and trade facility designed to boost commercial activities in northern Nigeria. The case alleges that Ganduje and several associates conspired to unlawfully transfer majority ownership of the port, including Kano State’s 20 per cent equity stake, to a private firm, City Green Enterprise. Prosecutors claim the transaction was carried out without due process, resulting in the effective loss of public ownership in the project The defendants in the case include Ganduje, his former aide Abubakar Bawuro, legal practitioner Adamu Aliyu-Sanda, and former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Hassan Bello. They are facing a 10-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, breach of trust, and conflict of interest. According to the prosecution, the disputed deal also involved the alleged diversion of over ₦4.49 billion in public funds, which were used to finance infrastructure at the port, including road construction, power installations, and perimeter fencing. Authorities claim the investments ultimately benefitted private interests linked to Ganduje’s associates and family members The arrest of Rabiu has drawn criticism from legal observers and civil society groups, particularly in light of his previous claims that his life was under threat due to his role in the case. In earlier statements, Rabiu reportedly alleged that he had been subjected to surveillance and intimidation aimed at discouraging him from testifying in court. The Kano State prosecution team has condemned the arrest, describing it as a possible attempt to interfere with judicial proceedings and intimidate a crucial witness. Prosecutors warned that any action capable of undermining witness cooperation could jeopardize the pursuit of justice in the high-profile case. The matter is currently before the Kano State High Court, where the defendants have filed preliminary objections challenging the validity of the charges and court processes. The trial has been adjourned to February 23, 2026, pending rulings on the outstanding legal motions.
