A Kano State High Court has fixed Monday, April 27, 2026, to hear a case seeking access to public records on constituency projects in the state.
The suit was instituted by human rights and anti-corruption activist Umar Ibrahim Umar, following the alleged failure of the State Commissioner for Works and Housing to respond to his Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
Umar is asking the court to compel the state government to disclose details of constituency projects, arguing that such information is necessary to promote transparency and enable journalists, civil society groups, and citizens to monitor the use of public funds.
The matter gained further attention after the commissioner was reportedly said to have demanded N100 million as a processing fee before releasing the requested information.
In a statement, Umar confirmed that the case will be heard at the Kano State High Court located within the Audu Bako Secretariat, noting that all relevant court documents have already been served on the commissioner.
He explained that the issue began on October 10, 2025, when he submitted a formal FOI request seeking comprehensive details of constituency projects across Kano State.
Umar also urged the public, media, and civil society organisations to closely follow the proceedings, describing the case as one that raises significant concerns about access to information, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
The activist has since taken the commissioner, Engr. Marwan Ahmed, to court, describing the alleged N100 million demand as unlawful, excessive, and inconsistent with the provisions of the FOI Act.
