Isiyaku Ahmed
The Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC) has strongly condemned what it described as the forceful, irregular, and unconstitutional arrest of the former Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force on Friday last week.
In a statement signed on Saturday by its Executive Director, Dr. Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, the FIDAC said the reported arrest, allegedly carried out without a warrant, without explanation, and accompanied by threats of violence, represents “a direct affront to the rule of law, human dignity, and civil liberties.”
According to eyewitnesses referenced in the statement, heavily armed police officers stormed Magaji’s law firm on Zaria Road, Kano, without presenting any warrant or disclosing the basis for the operation.
FIDAC said the manner of the arrest resembled a militarised assault and violated constitutional safeguards guaranteed to Nigerian citizens.
The organisation noted that the incident contravenes the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee personal liberty, require prompt disclosure of arrest reasons, mandate timely arraignment before a court, and uphold the presumption of innocence.
FIDAC described the development as part of a “dangerous trend” capable of eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions, warning that no democratic society should tolerate intimidation of anti-corruption advocates.
It highlighted Magaji’s track record in public accountability, referencing his high-profile interventions during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his continued support to the current government of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
His roles during the 2019 fuel crisis and the COVID-19 commodity hoarding surge were cited as examples of his service to public interest.
FIDAC outlined several demands aimed at safeguarding due process and restoring public confidence, immediate and unconditional release of Barr. Muhuyi Magaji unless a lawful court order states otherwise, direct intervention from the President to uphold justice, human rights, and democratic norms.
An impartial investigation by the Inspector-General of Police into the conduct of the arresting officers, solidarity from the Kano State Government, civil society, media, traditional rulers, activists, lawyers, student groups, and citizens, and strict compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and constitutional arrest procedures.
The organisation also warned that if Magaji Rimingado remains in custody beyond 24 hours, it will seek legal redress in court to challenge what it terms an arbitrary and unconstitutional use of power.
FIDAC urged Nigerians to defend democratic values, cautioning that silence in the face of oppression weakens the fight against corruption and abuse of authority.
“Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not intimidation, force, or impunity,” the statement concluded.
