HEDA demands release of ex-Kano anti-corruption boss, condemns police action

Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has condemned the arrest and demanded immediate release by the Police of the embattled erstwhile Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Rimingado Magaji, who was nabbed in Abuja earlier in the week.

HEDA in a statement endorsed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, also strongly condemned the action of the Nigeria Police, saying it would be ideal if the Police would act in a civil and professional manner while discharging their obligations.

Suraju alleged that Magaji was being framed and persecuted for his selfless works as anti -corruption czar in Kano, which undoubtedly never went down well with some persons in government of the state and beyond.

“We demand the release of Mr. Muhuyi Rimingado Magaji. We believe that he is being persecuted because of his audacious, fearless and transparent service in the State. Nigeria needs a man of this calibre who was out to work on mandate, no matter whose ox is gored.

“Every sane person was supposed to encourage the Public office holder who wants to deliver desired results, and not to fight against him/ her. The country is in a mess today principally because of rapacity of some state actors who were/ are bent at milking the country dry.

“But the likes of Magaji wanted to bring every nefarious, rapacious and voracious persons in Kano to book as an Anti-Corruption czar, however, he was removed. We condemn every act of persecution against him without a cause. We also objurgate Police actions and the pliability of the force in the harassment and persecution of corruption fighters across the country. The force, is by law, the primary law enforcement agency in the fight against corruption; which has not only abdicated that responsibility but colludes with corrupt elements to inflict injuries on those fighting to save the country. We therefore call for civility and professionalism in the work of Nigerian Police Force,” The statement read in part.

Mr Magaji, recently declared his governorship aspirations for Kano state, a right guaranteed under the constitution, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was reportedly arrested at the Sokoto Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where he was being screened by his party as he prepares for the forthcoming party primary election.

The Police Spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, who gave this notice, said. Mr Magaji was being investigated for the alleged forgery of a medical report.

Recall that in July 2021, the Kano State House of Assembly asked Mr. Magaji to step aside as the state anti-graft agency boss for a month after he had kicked against the posting of an accountant to the agency from the Office of the Accountant-General of the state.

Though he applied for the reversal of his suspension at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, he has not been recalled since. Meanwhile, before he was suspended, Mr Magaji had complained of interference and intimidation from officials of the state, especially the Governor.

After his screening yesterday, it was gathered that the cops whisked him away immediately and took him to their Federal Capital Territory Command. Recall also that the Police had on March 28, 2022, laid siege to Magaji’s residence in Kano but failed to achieve its arrest purpose.

It was revealed that Magaji was suspended in July 2021 after opening a probe on financial scandals and inflated contracts allegedly awarded to some companies linked to the governor’s family.

HEDA called on the Nigeria security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to dissipate civility and professionalism while they discharge their statutory tasks, saying: “The police and other security agencies should focus on protecting the citizens and supporting noble actions and efforts of patriotic citizens rather than pandering to political intentions and abuse of office by politically exposed persons.”