‘Kano: Garo’s Deputy Governor Bid May Stall ₦57.4bn Trial’

Legal analysts have expressed concern that Murtala Sule Garo’s potential rise to Kano Deputy Governor could delay his ongoing ₦57.4 billion corruption trial under constitutional immunity provisions.

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Following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Garo’s name has been frequently mentioned as a potential replacement. He is standing trial, alongside former Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje, and two others, for allegedly siphoning N57.4billion.

The case, instituted by the Kano State Government, is considered one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions in the state in recent years.

Speaking with journalists in Kano on Tuesday, senior legal practitioner Usman Bello, noted that if Garo assumes the office of Deputy Governor, he would be shielded by Section 308 of the Constitution of Nigeria, which protects certain public office holders from prosecution while in office.

“The timing of the nomination is troubling, especially given the scale of the allegations and the stage of the trial,” Bello added.

Similarly, Bello Abubakar Ginsau of the Kano Governance and Accountability Forum stressed the need for caution.

“The timing of any appointment amid ongoing trials should be carefully weighed. Accountability and transparency must remain central in all decisions,” he added.