The Federal High Court in Kano has declined an interim application filed by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo to stop the impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the State House of Assembly. In a ruling delivered on March 25, 2026, Justice S.M. Shaibu held that the applicant failed to satisfy the legal requirements for an ex-parte injunction to stall the constitutional process.
The court's decision follows a formal notice of impeachment signed by 38 of the 40 members of the Assembly earlier this month. The lawmakers have accused Gwarzo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a breach of public trust involving over ₦1.6 billion. Justice Shaibu has now ordered the Deputy Governor to serve the respondents with the court processes to allow for a proper hearing, adjourning the matter to April 16, 2026.
According to the allegations read during plenary by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala, the Deputy Governor participated in the systematic diversion of local government funds. Dala alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo received monthly kickbacks of ₦1.5 million from each of the state’s 44 local government areas, totaling ₦462 million.
Further claims suggest that between February and July 2024, an additional ₦726 million was collected under the guise of "special assignments." Dala characterised these actions as a "fundamental breach of constitutional norms," noting that the Deputy Governor also allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to a private pharmaceutical company.
The political atmosphere in Kano remains charged following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress. While the Governor and the majority of the Assembly have realigned, Gwarzo remains a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
The House of Assembly maintains that its actions are strictly in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. With the court refusing to intervene at this stage, the legislature is expected to move forward with the investigation once the statutory period for the Deputy Governor's response expires.