Police Debunks Muhuyi Magaji’s Arrest Claims, Says Kano Public Complaints Chairman Was Invited, Not Arrested

By Miriam Humbe

The Nigeria Police Force has debunked recent claims made by Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), regarding his alleged arrest by police authorities.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday, the Police clarified that Mr. Magaji was not arrested; instead, he was invited by the Force pertaining to a petition received against him.

Meanwhile, in an earlier statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head, Transparency International Nigeria, the group had “condemned the recent arrest and subsequent release of Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, by officers of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit.”

Rafsanjani criticized the circumstances surrounding Rimingado’s purported arrest, noting that it appeared to be connected to the Commission’s ongoing investigations into a high-profile case involving properties allegedly linked to a prominent national figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He called on the Inspector General of Police, not allow his office to be used by desperate politicians to undermine anti-corruption efforts or shield powerful individuals from legitimate investigations.

Below is text of the Police statement:

“On Friday, January 17, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit received a petition against Mr. Muhuyi.

“In accordance with standard investigative protocols, he was invited to engage with police officials as part of due process in addressing the matter.

“Given his role as a public servant and a respected individual within society, it is expected of Mr Muhuyi to cooperate with the police to ensure a proper investigation is carried out, rather than seeking to create media attention.

“Any assertions indicating that Mr. Magaji was arrested are unfounded and misleading.

“We urge the media and general public to avoid disseminating misinformation that may cause unnecessary alarm or confusion.

“The Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law and following due process in all investigations.”