HEDA Resource Centre has strongly condemned the recent arrest and detention of Muhuyi Magaji, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, and invitation of Sowore Omoyele by the Nigerian police under the supervision of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. These actions, purportedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), are blatant abuse of power and an attempt to intimidate Magaji, celebrated Kano State Anti-Corruption Czar from fighting corruption involving high-profile figures connected to the ruling part, and Sowore from exposing police excesses on our roads.
The arrest of Magaji, reportedly linked to the seizure of property allegedly tied to Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), raises serious concerns about the commitment of law enforcement agencies to upholding justice and combating corruption. These properties were under interim forfeiture by a competent court of law and in the custody of Kano State Government, while Sowore has recorded and exposed police officers extorting drivers under the guise of check points.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization described the police’s actions as an outrageous misuse of authority aimed at facilitating access to potentially looted assets while suppressing legitimate anti-corruption efforts. Suraju noted that this development threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system and undermines the nation’s anti-corruption agenda.
“These are unacceptable attempts by the Inspector General of Police to shield influential individuals from accountability while discouraging those fighting corruption. Muhuyi Magaji’s arrest reeks of intimidation and injustice, which cannot be tolerated in a democratic society committed to transparency and accountability,” Suraju stated.
“HEDA is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and call the IGP and other law enforcement agencies to order. The President must ensure that law enforcement operates within the ambits of the law and does not become a tool for silencing those working to uncover corruption,” he added.
Additionally, HEDA demands the immediate reversal of attempt to prosecute Muhuyi Magaji, and reversal of invitation to Sowore, an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Magaji’s arrest, and a halt to all attempts to derail ongoing legal processes concerning the seized property linked to the APC National Chairman.
“Nigeria’s fight against corruption must not be compromised by political interests or institutional overreach. HEDA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and justice, and urges all stakeholders to prioritize the public interest above all else.” He concluded.