Court Issues Injunction Preventing Federal Agencies from Investigating Kano Anti-Graft Chair

In a recent development, the Kano High Court has issued a significant injunction, restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from conducting investigations into Muhyi Rimingado, the chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).

This decision follows the issuance of invitations by EFCC, ICPC, and CCB to PCACC and its officials, prompting the Kano state government to take action against what it perceives as harassment and intimidation by these federal agencies.

Presiding Judge Farouk Adamu issued an ex parte order, directing the federal agencies and their representatives to cease questioning or investigating PCACC officials. The order also specifically instructed them to desist from interfering with the activities of the anti-graft agency.

The court’s ruling, with the case number K/M1128/2023, additionally called for all parties involved to maintain the status quo. The order, which stems from a motion ex parte accompanied by an affidavit, outlined the temporary injunction’s terms.

Chairman Muhyi Rimingado responded to the court’s decision, affirming the commission’s commitment to fulfilling its legal responsibilities despite attempts at blackmail, intimidation, and negative campaigns.

Rimingado stated, “The recent intimidations and smear campaigns against the commission are the handiwork of people with skeletons in their cupboards. We will not cut corners and we will strictly adhere to the rule of law. We are committed to ridding the state of corrupt public officers.”

It’s worth noting that in 2022, Rimingado was dismissed by the former Kano governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on allegations related to office misconduct. However, in a turn of events on June 21, the current Kano governor, Abba Yusuf, reinstated Rimingado as the PCACC chair.

Rimingado has taken a strong stance, expressing his determination to investigate a video purportedly showing former governor Ganduje, who now serves as the national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), receiving monetary kickbacks in dollars from a contractor back in 2017. The court’s injunction represents a significant legal move in this ongoing saga, preserving the status quo and granting a temporary reprieve from further investigation into the Kano anti-graft chair.