On Wednesday, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Kano State High Court, which was severely vandalized, looted, and set on fire during recent nationwide hunger protests that turned violent in parts of the North.
During the inspection, Governor Yusuf expressed regret over the destruction caused by the hoodlums, noting that “the hired miscreants stole corruption charge documents related to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who faces multiple charges before the high court.”
The governor was accompanied on the tour by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi; the Chief Registrar of the high court, Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero; and several judges.
According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, Yusuf criticized those behind the vandalism, stating, “It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalize one of our historic public buildings with the intent of undermining the corruption charges against Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family, and aides.”
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The statement detailed that the hoodlums had devastated nearly every part of the high court, including the office of the Chief Judge, causing damages exceeding N1 billion.
The destruction involved theft of office equipment, burning of vehicles, and obliteration of vital materials essential for justice.
Governor Yusuf urged the youth to reject violence and focus on skill acquisition to improve their futures, promising government support for such endeavors.
He ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the courthouse and increased security measures to ensure effective justice delivery.
The governor also extended his condolences to the Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, and the judiciary for the “unfortunate” incident.
He praised the state’s residents for their support and cooperation, calling for continued peace, stability, and development.
The Kano State High Court management, in a statement on August 4, condemned the invasion and vandalism, announcing an investigation to identify the perpetrators.
Court spokesperson Baba Ibrahim reported that on August 1, rioters claiming to be #EndBadGovernment protesters breached the court premises, vandalized offices, and stole money and firearms seized from kidnappers.
Ibrahim noted, “Private and official vehicles parked on the court premises were either destroyed or vandalized. Offices, including that of the Chief Judge and other judges, were ransacked, and case files were scattered. This is the first such incident in the Kano State Judiciary’s history, with vehicles on the premises also affected.”
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