The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has refused to grant an interim order stopping the ongoing impeachment process against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam, dealing a setback to his legal efforts to halt the proceedings initiated by the State House of Assembly.
Justice M. Shaibu, who presided over the matter, on Thursday dismissed Abdussalam’s request for an urgent injunction, ruling that the application failed to meet the strict legal requirements necessary for such relief. The deputy governor had approached the court through his counsel, Umar Danbaito, seeking an ex parte order to suspend all actions connected to the impeachment pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In the application, Abdussalam specifically urged the court to restrain the Kano State House of Assembly from continuing with the impeachment process, arguing that the legality of the action against him should first be determined by the court. He maintained that allowing the lawmakers to proceed while the matter was still under judicial consideration could prejudice his rights and undermine due process.
However, Justice Shaibu held that the circumstances presented by the applicant did not justify the granting of an ex parte injunction. The court emphasised that such orders are granted only in exceptional situations where there is clear evidence of urgency and the risk of irreparable harm, conditions which, according to the judge, were not sufficiently established in this case.
“The requirements for the grant of an ex parte application are stringent and must be strictly complied with,” the judge ruled, adding that the deputy governor’s application fell short of the threshold.
The court further directed that all relevant parties in the suit be put on notice, ordering that the necessary court documents be served on the respondents to enable them to respond adequately. Justice Shaibu stressed the importance of hearing all sides in matters of significant constitutional and political implications.
Following the ruling, the case was adjourned to April 16, 2026, for further hearing, where the court is expected to consider the substantive issues raised in the suit.
The impeachment process against Abdussalam was initiated earlier in March when the Kano State House of Assembly confirmed that it had served him with a formal notice of impeachment on March 5. The move has since heightened political tensions within the state, particularly in light of recent developments within the ruling political structure.
Abdussalam, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has been at the centre of political controversy following his decision not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Abba Yusuf and several key government officials in January. Observers have linked the impeachment move to the widening political rift, although lawmakers have insisted that their actions are strictly based on allegations of misconduct.
According to the Kano State House of Assembly, the impeachment proceedings were triggered by a petition originating from the executive arm of government. The petition reportedly accused the deputy governor of engaging in financial misconduct during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
Lawmakers outlined several allegations against Abdussalam, including claims that he received substantial sums of money as kickbacks over a period of months. Specifically, the Assembly alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor collected a total of ₦462 million within seven months.
In addition, the lawmakers claimed that from February to July 2024, Abdussalam received another ₦726 million from local government councils. The funds, they alleged, were collected under the pretext of executing special assignments.
The Assembly also accused the deputy governor of authorising the release of ₦440 million to a company identified as North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in a manner that allegedly contravened established public procurement laws and fiscal regulations.
Based on these claims, the lawmakers argued that the actions attributed to Abdussalam constitute gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust, as defined under Section 188(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They maintained that the allegations, if proven, justify his removal from office.
The Assembly further disclosed that the deputy governor had been given a 14-day period to respond to the allegations in line with constitutional provisions governing impeachment procedures. It added that subsequent steps would be taken in accordance with the law depending on his response and the outcome of investigations.
Legal analysts note that the court’s refusal to grant an interim injunction does not determine the merits of the case but allows the legislative process to continue while the substantive legal issues are being considered. They point out that the judiciary often exercises caution in intervening in impeachment proceedings at preliminary stages, particularly when due process appears to be followed.
As the April 16 hearing date approaches, attention is expected to focus on the legal arguments to be presented by both parties, as well as the broader political implications of the case. The outcome could have significant consequences for governance and political stability in Kano State.
For now, the impeachment process remains in motion, with the deputy governor facing mounting legal and political challenges as he seeks to defend his position and contest the allegations brought against him.
