The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Malumfashi, and two other officials permission to travel for Hajj and Umrah amid their ongoing ₦1 billion fraud trial.
Malumfashi is standing trial alongside the Secretary of KANSIEC, Anas Mustapha, and 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 of alleged diversion of ₦1 billion between November and December 2024.
Justice James Omotosho granted the defendants’ request after their counsel, Okechukwu Edeze, filed separate applications seeking the release of their passports to 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.
The prosecution counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, did not oppose the request, saying the defendants were embarking on a religious obligation.
Akponimisingha also noted that two prosecution witnesses were present and urged the court to fix a date for trial.
He added that, as government officials, the defendants should have attached leave letters to their applications.
Justice Omotosho, however, observed that the prosecution had not objected during arguments.
When asked about the duration of the pilgrimage, Edeze said the Hajj and Umrah would likely conclude by June.
The judge expressed concern over the length of time, noting that while Hajj is mandatory, Umrah is voluntary.
He adjourned the matter until June 30 for trial.
The defendants were arraigned on January 27 and initially remanded in custody pending their bail applications.
They were granted bail of ₦200 million each on January 28.
In a charge filed on December 1, 2025, the ICPC alleged that the defendants conspired to unlawfully take possession of ₦450 million, ₦310 million and ₦260 million said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The ₦450 million was reportedly paid into SLM Agro Global Farm accounts at Jaiz Bank in November 2024.
The 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 slated for arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik but was struck out due to the prosecution’s failure to serve the defendants with court processes.
The PUNCH