The Kano state government has requested the immediate release of the former chairman of Kano state public complaint and anti-corruption (PCACC) Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado who was arrested by heavily armed police men at his law office along Zaria Road in Kano metropolis.
The attorney general and Kano state commissioner for justice barrister Abdulkarim Maude while briefing journalists said credible information available to the state government indicate that over 40 heavily armed police arrested Muhuyi, taken him to Kano state police command and later whisked away to Abuja.
The commissioner said “credible information available to the Kano State Government indicates that the arrest occurred at about 5:30pm at his law office along Zaria Road, Kano, without the presentation of any warrant of arrest or disclosed court process. He was thereafter taken to the Police Headquarters at Bompai, Kano, and later whisked away to Abuja the same evening. This development raises serious constitutional, legal, and security concerns, particularly having regard to the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
“Specifically, Section 35 guarantees the right to personal liberty and strictly regulates the circumstances under which any person may be lawfully arrested or detained, while Section 36 guarantees the right to fair hearing. Furthermore, Section 46 guarantees the right of every citizen to approach the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights,” further said Maude.
Maude said while the Kano State Government does not dispute the powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate crimes and enforce the law, it must be clearly stated that law enforcement powers must always be exercised strictly within the confines of due process, constitutional safeguards, and the rule of law.
“Arrests must not only be lawful; they must also be conducted in a manner that reflects respect for human dignity, transparency, and accountability. As the Chief Law Officer of Kano State, the Attorney General expresses deep institutional concern that such a sensitive and high-profile operation involving a former head of a major anti-corruption agency of the State was executed without any form of official notification or engagement with the State’s justice system. Although prior notification may not be a strict constitutional requirement, inter-governmental cooperation, professionalism, and respect for federalism demand a minimum level of institutional courtesy, especially in actions capable of affecting public peace and political stability”, he said.
According to Maude, the state government is demanding an immediate and unconditional release of Muhuyi and the police must tender a public apology.
“The manner, timing, and militarized nature of the arrest are particularly disturbing, as they possess the clear potential to create fear, public tension, apprehension, and political misinterpretation within the State,” said the commissioner.
He saud “it must be emphasized that Kano State remains peaceful, stable, and governed by the rule of law. Any action, from whatever quarter, that is capable of downgrading this peace, provoking public disorder, or casting institutional law enforcement in a political light must be firmly rejected”.
The state government therefore demanded that a strict compliance with constitutional provisions, due process, and human rights standards in all actions concerning Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado;
“We Calls on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately and publicly clarify the legal basis of the arrest and the transfer to Abuja; Reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of fundamental rights and Cautions against the misuse of federal security apparatus for political objectives capable of destabilizing Kano State,” Maude said.
He added that the Kano State Government remains committed to full cooperation with all lawful security agencies operating within the framework of the Constitution. However, it will not hesitate to take all lawful and constitutional steps necessary to protect its citizens, defend democratic governance, and preserve public peace and institutional integrity.