Court to hear FOI case over constituency projects in Kano
A Kano State High Court is scheduled to hear a case on April 27, 2026, concerning access to public information related to constituency projects.
The case was initiated by human rights and anti-corruption activist Umar Ibrahim Umar, following the State Commissioner for Works and Housing’s failure to respond to his Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Umar is seeking a court order to compel the government to disclose details of constituency projects, aiming to enhance transparency and enable journalists, civil society groups, and citizens to monitor public fund expenditures.
The situation escalated when the commissioner purportedly demanded a processing fee of N100 million to release the requested information.
Umar confirmed the hearing date and location in a recent statement. “The matter will be heard at the Kano State High Court, Audu Bako Secretariat, where all necessary court processes have already been duly served on the Commissioner,” he said. The dispute began after he submitted a formal request on October 10, 2025, requesting detailed information about constituency projects in Kano State.
Umar urged the public and media to closely follow the case. “The public, media, and civil society organizations are encouraged to monitor the proceedings, as this case raises critical questions about access to public information, transparency, and the rule of law,” he stated. He has labeled the commissioner’s N100 million demand as illegal, excessive, and contrary to the provisions of the FOI Act.
