Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, is facing a one count charge before a Sharia Court over alleged unpaid campaign funds from the 2023 general elections.
The suit, filed at the Shahuci Upper Sharia Court, concerns alleged unpaid campaign services amounting to N124,800,070.
The case was instituted by Isa Ado Medoya and others, who claim they carried out agreed campaign assignments during the senator’s electioneering period but have not received payment.
Proceedings commenced before Judge Muhammad Sani, with counsel to the plaintiffs outlining the basis of the claim. According to the plaintiffs, the amount demanded represents compensation for services rendered during the campaign.
At the hearing, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Barrister Abbas Sani Abubakar Mandawari, presented documents and samples said to show how the work was executed. He informed the court that further consultations with his clients were required to properly organise additional materials and requested more time for verification.
Counsel to the defendant opposed the request, arguing that the plaintiffs were unprepared to proceed with substantive arguments. He urged the court to dismiss the suit, contending that the delay indicated a lack of readiness to diligently prosecute the matter.
The court, however, declined the application for dismissal and ruled that the plaintiffs should be granted additional time to consolidate their filings. Judge Muhammad Sani stressed the importance of giving both parties adequate opportunity to fully present their cases.
The matter was adjourned to April 21, 2026, when the plaintiffs are expected to submit complete documentation, after which the defendant’s counsel will present a formal response.
