The Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been arrested.
According to a source within the commission who confirmed the development Daily Trust, stating that “It is true. He was arrested today (Friday) and he would likely be taken to Abuja.”
The arrest reportedly followed the arrival of police operatives led by ASP Ahmed Bello, who insisted that he had instructions to detain Rimingado.
Sources however suggest the arrest may 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 amounting to over N4 billion.
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The trial, which commenced in November 2023 at the Kano High Court presided over by Justice Hafsat Yahaya, has already led to the seizure of several properties allegedly tied to the case. These include funds in bank accounts, which remain frozen pending the court’s final decision.
In December 2023, Bala Muhammed Inuwa filed a separate suit before Justice Aisha Ya’u of another Kano High Court, seeking the removal of police officers stationed at Limestone Processing Links Ltd., where some of the seized properties were being held. Justice Ya’u granted the order, directing the removal of the officers.
However, the PCACC raised concerns that it was neither notified of the suit nor joined as a party to the proceedings.
The commission argued that, as the primary custodian of the confiscated properties, it should have been included in the case instead of involving only the police. In response, the PCACC filed a stay of execution on the court’s order and sought to be joined in the suit.
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Two weeks ago, during a press briefing, Rimingado revealed that his commission had foiled an attempt to relocate some of the seized properties, valued at over N2 billion.
The assets, which include trailers, trucks, and minivans, were moved from their previous location in Kumbotso Local Government Area to a state government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA.
Rimingado stated that the action was in accordance with Section 40 of the Kano Anti-Corruption Law, which empowers the commission to safeguard properties while cases are under investigation.
Rimingado’s arrest has raised questions about the possible motives behind the move. Many speculate that it may be connected to the high-profile corruption case and the PCACC’s efforts to protect public assets.
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Observers have pointed to the commission’s strong stance on securing the seized properties and the controversies surrounding the case as potential triggers for the arrest.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about Rimingado’s arrest remain unclear. Efforts to reach relevant authorities for additional information have so far been unsuccessful.
The situation continues to unfold, with many watching closely to see how the case develops.
