By Ahmed Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has taken legal action against the Inspector General of Police, accusing him of interfering with the statutory functions of the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
This move comes after a team of police operatives attempted to arrest and transfer the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, to Abuja on January 24, 2025.
Rimingado’s lawyers alleged that the police denied them access to their client for three hours and later interrogated him about an ongoing investigation into an alleged N4 billion diversion from KASCO, which is currently before a court.
The Kano State Government, the Anti-Corruption Agency, and its Chairman have filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police and five others, seeking declarations that:
- The Plaintiffs have powers to investigate: Any person mentioned under the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law 2008, without interference from the Defendants.
- The Defendants have no powers to interfere: With the subject matter of investigation or exercise supervisory control over the Plaintiffs.
- The arrest and detention of Rimingado were unconstitutional: As they were carried out without any lawful justification.
Justice Sunusi Ado Ma’aji granted an interim order restraining the Inspector General of Police and the Police Authority from taking further action against Rimingado or any officer of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
The matter has been adjourned to February 10, 2025, for hearing.
