Proceedings continued today, March 30, 2026, at the High Court of Justice, Dogarawa in Zaria, Kaduna State, presided over by Jus...
Proceedings continued today, March 30, 2026, at the High Court of Justice, Dogarawa in Zaria, Kaduna State, presided over by Justice Yakubu Badamasi, in the ongoing criminal trial involving Abdu Kwari, Hajiya Amina Dalhatu Akilu, and Shehu Abdu Kwari over allegations of fraud and criminal conspiracy.
The case arose from a petition filed by a Zaria-based businessman, Ahmed Muhammad Gusau, who accused the defendants of fraudulently inducing him into a property exchange deal. According to the complainant, he surrendered his residential property located at No. 17 Sale Annur Street, Kabama Layout, Sabon Gari, Zaria, valued at ₦60 million, in exchange for a plot of land at No. 5 Abubakar Mustapha Road, Kabama Layout, allegedly owned by Senator Abdu Kwari and valued at ₦20 million.
He further alleged that he was informed the Senator does not sell land but only engages in property exchange arrangements. Based on this understanding, he accepted the offer and proceeded with the transaction. A Deed of Assignment was executed in the name of the Senator’s wife, after which he commenced construction on the land.
However, the complainant stated that after investing over ₦27.6 million in construction, officials of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) halted the project, allegedly on the directive of the Senator. He further claimed that the defendants subsequently denied the existence of the agreement, leading to the present criminal proceedings.
At today’s sitting, the court delivered its ruling on an earlier application filed by defence counsel seeking the release of vehicles seized in connection with the case. The application, moved by counsel to the second defendant, had argued that the vehicles belonged to A.A. Kwari Company and were used strictly for business purposes.
However, the court upheld the arguments of the complainant’s counsel, SY Suleiman, and ruled that the vehicles should remain in custody pending the conclusion of the trial. The court agreed that the vehicles form part of exhibits relevant to the case and should not be released at this stage.
Justice Badamasi subsequently adjourned the matter and fixed April 25, 2026, and May 5, 2026, for the continuation of hearing in the substantive case.
The court is expected to proceed with full trial on the charges of alleged fraud and criminal conspiracy against the defendants on the adjourned dates.
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