Kano State Government has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the former Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who was arrested by heavily armed police officers at his law office along Zaria Road in Kano.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the Attorney General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abdulkarim Maude, said credible information available to the state government revealed that more than 40 armed policemen stormed Muhuyi Magaji’s office around 5:30 pm, arrested him without presenting a warrant, took him to the Kano Police Command, and subsequently whisked him away to Abuja the same evening.
Maude described the development as deeply troubling, citing constitutional and legal concerns. He emphasized that Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, and the right to seek redress for breaches of fundamental rights.
He noted that while the police have the legal authority to investigate and enforce the law, such powers must be exercised within constitutional limits.
“Arrests must be lawful and conducted with respect for human dignity, transparency, and due process,” he said.
The Attorney General expressed concern that a high-profile arrest involving a former head of a major state anti-corruption agency was carried out without any notification to the state’s justice system.
“Although prior notice may not be mandatory, professional conduct and inter-governmental cooperation require a level of institutional courtesy, especially for actions that could affect public peace,” he added.
He said the state government is demanding Muhuyi’s immediate release and a public apology from the police, stressing that the militarised nature of the operation was capable of heightening fear and political tension in the state.
He reiterated that Kano remains peaceful and stable, and warned against actions that could undermine public order or politicize law enforcement.
The state government also demanded strict adherence to constitutional provisions, clarity on the legal basis of the arrest and transfer to Abuja, and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.
The Attorney General of the state concluded that while Kano is ready to cooperate with lawful security agencies, it will not hesitate to take constitutional steps to protect its citizens and preserve democratic governance.
