The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out a 10-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Prof. Sani Malumfashi, Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
The ICPC had also named KANSIEC Secretary Mr Anas Mustapha and Deputy Director of Accounts Mr Ado Garba, accusing the trio of money laundering N1.02 billion during the 2024 local government elections. The case, filed under FHC/ABJ/210/2025, could not proceed because the defendants were absent in court.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the charge, citing lack of diligent prosecution. Previous hearings had been adjourned at the request of the prosecution, which failed to produce the defendants to stand trial.
At an earlier session, ICPC counsel Enosa Omoghibo, an Assistant Director in the agency’s Legal Department, told the court that the case was slated for arraignment but the defendants were not present.
Defence counsel M.A. Magaji, SAN, argued that the defendants had not been properly served with court documents, emphasising that proper service is fundamental to the court’s jurisdiction.
“Failure to duly serve the defendants with the charge sheet and other court documents rendered their physical appearance in court impossible,” Magaji submitted.
Justice Abdulmalik had initially adjourned the case to 24 November to allow for proper service. However, the defendants again failed to appear on Monday, prompting the court to strike out the proceedings.
