Police Arrest Kano Anti-Graft Agency Chairman Muhuyi Magaji

The Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been arrested by the police, sources confirmed on Friday.

A reliable source within the commission disclosed that Rimingado was taken into custody by police operatives led by ASP Ahmed Bello, who insisted he had orders to detain him. The source added that the embattled chairman would likely be transferred to Abuja.

The arrest is believed to be linked to an ongoing trial involving the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO), Bala Muhammed Inuwa, who is accused of diverting public funds exceeding N4 billion. The case, which has been in court since November 2023, led to the confiscation of assets, including funds in bank accounts, pending a final judgment.

In December 2023, Inuwa filed a separate lawsuit seeking the removal of police officers stationed at Limestone Processing Links Ltd., where the seized properties were being held. Justice Aisha Ya’u of the Kano High Court granted the order, directing the police to vacate the premises. However, the PCACC objected, arguing that it was not included in the case despite being the agency responsible for the confiscated assets. The commission subsequently filed a stay of execution on the court order, asserting that the police were only safeguarding the assets on its behalf.

Two weeks ago, Rimingado revealed at a press briefing that his agency had prevented an attempt to relocate the confiscated properties, valued at over N2 billion. These included trailers, trucks, and minivans, which were later moved to a state government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA from Kumbotso Local Government Area. He defended the move, citing Section 40 of the Kano Anti-Corruption Law, which grants the commission authority to secure assets tied to corruption cases.

His sudden arrest has sparked speculation about the motives behind the move, with many linking it to the high-profile corruption case and the commission’s efforts to protect public assets.

As of the time of reporting, further details regarding his detention remain unclear.