Legal analysts have warned that Murtala Sule Garo’s potential emergence as deputy governor in the lead-up to the 2027 elections could halt proceedings in the N57.4 billion corruption case against him due to constitutional immunity.
Speaking with journalists in Kano on Tuesday, a senior legal practitioner, Usman Bello, warned, “granting immunity to a sitting defendant could affect the pace of ongoing trials, though it does not imply guilt or innocence.”
Bello noted that if Garo becomes deputy governor, he would enjoy immunity under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution. This would temporarily halt proceedings against him while he remains in office.
“The timing of the nomination is troubling, especially given the scale of the allegations and the stage of the trial,” he said.
Comrade Bello Abubakar Ginsau of the Kano Governance and Accountability Forum, also speaking with DAILY POST, said, “The timing of any appointment amid ongoing trials should be carefully weighed. Accountability and transparency must remain central in all decisions.”
Recall that Garo is currently standing trial alongside former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and others over allegations involving the diversion of local government funds amounting to more than N57.4 billion.
The case was filed by the Kano State Government.
