COURT GRANTS KANO ELECTORAL CHIEF, TWO OFFICIALS PERMISSION FOR HAJJ AMID N1BN FRAUD TRIAL
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Sani Malumfashi, and two other officials permission to travel for Hajj and Umrah despite their ongoing N1bn fraud trial.
Malumfashi is facing trial alongside the Secretary of KANSIEC, Anas Mustapha, and the Deputy Director in the commission’s Accounts Department, Ado Garba.
The trio are being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on six counts bordering on the alleged diversion of N1bn between November and December 2024.
Justice James Omotosho approved their request after defence counsel, Okechukwu Edeze, filed separate applications seeking the temporary release of their passports to enable them perform the Islamic pilgrimages.
“I have listened to the applications and reactions of the prosecution. The application is granted as prayed. The applications, as consolidated, are also granted as prayed,” the judge ruled.
Prosecution counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, did not oppose the applications, noting that the defendants were undertaking a religious obligation.
Akponimisingha also informed the court that two prosecution witnesses were present and requested a trial date. He added that, as public officials, the defendants ought to have attached leave letters to their applications.
Justice Omotosho, however, pointed out that the prosecution had not raised any objection during arguments.
When asked about the duration of the pilgrimage, Edeze said the Hajj and Umrah would likely end by June.
The judge expressed concern over the timeframe, observing that while Hajj is mandatory, Umrah is voluntary.
The case was adjourned until June 30 for trial.
The defendants were arraigned on January 27 and initially remanded pending the hearing of their bail applications. They were granted bail of N200m each on January 28.
In a charge dated December 1, 2025, the ICPC alleged that the defendants conspired to unlawfully take possession of N450m, N310m, and N260m, said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The N450m was reportedly paid into SLM Agro Global Farm’s accounts at Jaiz Bank in November 2024.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 2(1)(b) and 18(2)(d), punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The matter was initially scheduled for arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik but was struck out after the prosecution failed to serve the defendants with court processes.
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