Court of Appeal Overturns Muhuyi’s Suspension As Kano Anti-Corruption Boss
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – (Kano, North West Nigeria) – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) suspending Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).
The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Umaru Fadawu, ruled that the CCT’s order was prejudicial and denied Magaji a fair hearing.
The CCT had suspended Magaji on April 4, 2024, following allegations of misconduct by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, had ordered Magaji to step aside as chairman of the PCACC, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The CCT also directed the Governor of Kano State and the Secretary to the State Government to appoint an acting chairman for the commission.
However, Magaji’s counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, argued that the CCT erred in law by denying his client a fair trial and presuming his guilt at an interlocutory stage.
Adedipe also contended that the CCT lacked the jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought by the CCB, as the governor and the secretary to the state government were not parties to the case.
The Court of Appeal, in its ruling, agreed with Adedipe’s arguments and held that the CCT’s order was indeed prejudicial and denied Magaji a fair hearing. The appellate court also ordered that the matter be re-assigned to another panel of the CCT.
Magaji had been arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conflict of interest and false declaration of assets, among others. He pleaded not guilty to all counts and was admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties.
The CCB had filed the charges against Magaji on November 16, 2023. The prosecution alleged that Magaji failed to declare his assets as required by law and also engaged in corrupt practices while in office.
The ruling of the Court of Appeal has been seen as a significant development in the case, as it overturns the CCT’s order and paves the way for Magaji to continue performing his duties as chairman of the PCACC.
The case has sparked intense interest in Kano State and beyond, with many calling for a fair and transparent trial.