JUST-IN: Kano Anti-Corruption Boss Rimingado Arrested

The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been arrested in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving the alleged diversion of over N4billion.

A source within the commission confirmed the arrest on Friday, stating, “He was arrested today and he would likely be taken to Abuja.”

The arrest was carried out by police operatives led by ASP Ahmed Bello.

Rimingado’s arrest is believed to be linked to the ongoing trial of the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO), Bala Muhammed Inuwa. The trial, which began in November 2023 at the Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Hafsat Yahaya, has seen the seizure of properties, including funds in bank accounts, allegedly linked to the embezzled public funds.

The case took another turn in December 2023 when Inuwa filed a suit before Justice Aisha Ya’u of another Kano State High Court, requesting the removal of police officers stationed at Limestone Processing Links Ltd., where the seized properties were held. Justice Ya’u granted the request, ordering the removal of the officers.

However, the PCACC objected, arguing that it was not joined in the suit despite being the primary custodian of the confiscated assets. The commission filed a stay of execution of the order and sought to be included in the proceedings, emphasising that the police were merely securing the assets on its behalf.

In a recent press briefing, Rimingado disclosed that the commission had foiled an attempt to relocate the seized properties, valued at over N2 billion. The assets, which include trailers, trucks, and minivans, were moved from Kumbotso Local Government Area to a government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA, a move Rimingado said was in line with Section 40 of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Law.

As of the time of filing this report, further details about Rimingado’s arrest remained unknown.