The Kano State Government has raised strong concerns over the arrest and immediate transfer of the former Chairman of the Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the state government received credible reports that Magaji was arrested around 5:30 p.m. at his law office along Zaria Road, Kano, by heavily armed police officers who allegedly failed to present any warrant or court order. He was reportedly taken first to the Bompai Police Headquarters before being transferred to Abuja the same evening.
The statement described the development as a serious constitutional and security concern, noting that Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, and access to court for enforcement of fundamental rights.
While acknowledging the powers of the police to investigate and enforce laws, the Attorney General stressed that such powers must be exercised within due process and constitutional safeguards. He expressed concern that the state government received no official communication on the operation, especially given the sensitive nature of Magaji’s former position.
The government warned that the manner and “militarized nature” of the arrest could fuel public tension and create political misinterpretation, alleging that some external political actors might be using federal institutions to destabilize Kano State.
According to the statement, the state government’s findings suggest that the arrest may be linked to several high-profile criminal investigations and prosecutions involving politically exposed persons in Kano, in which Magaji allegedly holds critical evidence. The government fears the action may be intended to obstruct or compromise those cases.
Even more troubling, the government noted, is that there is a subsisting court order restraining security agencies from arresting or harassing Magaji. Despite this, over 40 armed officers were reportedly deployed for the operation.
The Attorney General described the deployment as excessive and a misplaced priority at a time when the country faces pressing security challenges.
The Kano State Government therefore issued four demands:
1. Strict adherence to constitutional and human rights standards in Magaji’s case.
2. Immediate public clarification by the police on the legal basis for the arrest and transfer to Abuja.
3. Reaffirmation of its commitment to the rule of law and protection of fundamental rights.
4. A warning against the political misuse of federal security agencies.
The statement assured residents that Kano remains peaceful and stable, urging citizens to remain calm and law-abiding while the government continues to monitor the situation.
The release was signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State.
