Kano Anti-Corruption Boss Resigns

The Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Saidu Yahaya, has resigned from office.

Yahaya reportedly submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following pressure from the Kano State Government over concerns about his performance as head of the commission.

Although the resignation had not been formally announced by either Yahaya or the state government as of Wednesday, September 16, the government has announced a new acting leadership for the commission.

The Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Social Media, Ibrahim Adam, announced on his verified Facebook page that Barrister Hafsat Ada’u Kutama had been appointed acting chairperson of the PCACC.

“His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Barr. Hafsat Ada’u Kutama as the Acting Chairperson of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Kano State,” Adam said.

He added that Kutama previously served as the Secretary of the commission.

Kutama is expected to assume office as acting chairperson on Wednesday.

The reported resignation comes months after Governor Yusuf publicly criticised the performance of the commission under Yahaya’s leadership.

In July, the governor told officials of the anti-graft agency to either intensify their activities or step aside, saying the commission had lost the momentum associated with the previous administration.

Yahaya was appointed chairman of the PCACC in August 2025 after the expiration of the tenure of former chairman Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado. His nomination was forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Before his appointment, Yahaya had spent more than 18 years with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he served in various investigative and project-tracking roles.