The Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been arrested.
A source within the commission confirmed the development, stating, “It is true. He was arrested today (Friday) and he would likely be taken to Abuja.”
The arrest occurred following the arrival of police operatives led by ASP Ahmed Bello, who reportedly insisted that he had orders to detain Rimingado.
According to sources, the arrest may be connected to an ongoing trial involving the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO), Bala Muhammed Inuwa, accused of diverting over N4 billion in public funds.
The trial, which began in November 2023 at the Kano High Court presided over by Justice Hafsat Yahaya, has led to the seizure of properties allegedly tied to the case, including funds in bank accounts, 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 the seized properties were held. Justice Ya’u granted the order, mandating the removal of the officers.
The PCACC raised concerns about being excluded from the proceedings, despite being the primary body responsible for the confiscated properties. The commission argued that it should have been joined in the matter and subsequently filed a stay of execution on the order while seeking to be included in the suit.
Two weeks ago, Rimingado revealed during a press briefing that the commission had prevented an attempt to relocate the seized properties, valued at over N2 billion. These assets included trailers, trucks, and minivans, which were later moved to a state government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA from their initial location in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
He explained that the action was carried out in accordance with Section 40 of the Kano Anti-Corruption Law, which authorizes the commission to secure such properties during ongoing investigations.
Rimingado’s arrest has sparked speculation about its connection to the high-profile corruption case and the commission’s efforts to protect public assets.
As of the time of this report, further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest remain unclear.
