The Nigeria Police Force has denied arresting the chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado.
Gado, during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, claimed he was arrested by the police following an investigation of an alleged N4bn misappropriation by an official.
Reacting, however, the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the Kano government official was invited concerning a petition against him on January 17.
Adejobi further said that Gado was expected to cooperate with the police as a public servant rather than try to attract media attention.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has taken note of recent claims made by Muhuyi Gado, the chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, regarding his alleged arrest by police authorities.
“We wish to clarify that Mr. Magaji was not arrested; instead, he was invited by the force about a petition received against him.
“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.”
The anti-corruption commission boss disclosed during the interview that his alleged arrest was prompted by one of the suspects under investigation.
The alleged fraud involved a former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO).
He said, “There was an investigation that we carried out and we realised that about N4bn of funds of Kano State Government has been siphoned through different entities by a public officer.
“We investigated that public officer and we seized the properties in accordance with the laid-down procedures and the provisions of the law. Section 40 of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission provides adequate provisions and we did and we charged the matter to court.
“After the arraignment and the detainment of the accused, he came up with a series of tactics to snatch away the exhibit of the crime and that is not allowed in law.
“So, we employed moves that entailed roving the property from where it is to a different safe place so that it would not be tampered with till the court decides on the matter. I think that is what ignited them.
“When they cannot wait for the court processes and they know they cannot succeed in that case, they now activate the police to arrest me.”
