Former Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, was arrested on Friday by heavily armed police operatives and taken to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The authorities have not disclosed the exact reason for the arrest, which comes amid what has been described as a “high-profile investigation.”
Rimin-Gado, who led several sensitive investigations during his tenure, including cases involving former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his family, was reportedly taken from his office by a team of about 40 officers without a warrant.
The Kano State Government has raised serious concerns over the arrest, calling it potentially unlawful and politically motivated. State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkareem Maude (SAN), said the arrest raises constitutional and security questions, noting that Rimin-Gado is believed to possess “critical, firsthand, and well-documented evidence” against some politically exposed figures.
“The timing and manner of this operation suggest it could be aimed at obstructing or undermining sensitive investigations and ongoing prosecutions,” Maude said. He warned that attempts to politicise security agencies or provoke public disorder in Kano must be firmly rejected.
The Attorney General also criticised the deployment of such a large security force for the arrest of a civilian, rather than responding to violent crimes in the state, calling it a “misplaced priority and abuse of power.”
Kano State Government has called on the Nigeria Police Force to provide a clear legal explanation for the arrest and the transfer of Rimin-Gado to Abuja and indicated that it may take legal action if the former PCACC chairman is not released in accordance with due process and constitutional provisions.
Ex-Kano Anti-Corruption Chief Arrested in ‘High-Profile’ Probe
