Nation
N4bn Seized Assets, Arrest Of Kano Anti-Corruption Chair, Magaji, Raise Fresh Dust
Two weeks after relocating seized properties linked to a high-profile corruption case, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), has found himself on the other side of the law, facing alleged arrest by the Nigeria police.
His arrest and subsequent release have generated significant debates and controversies.
Magaji was arrested on Friday on the order of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The team was led by ASP Ahmed Bello. The arrest is reportedly linked to the ongoing trial of Bala Muhammad Inuwa, the former Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO).
Inuwa’s trial which began in November 2023 at the Kano High Court under the presiding judge, Justice Hafsat Yahaya, is centered around the seizure of properties, including bank accounts, allegedly linked to the embezzlement of over ¦ 4 billion in public funds.
Inuwa was arrested in August 2023 by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) for allegedly diverting government funds through the Association of Compassionate Friends, an NGO he founded.
Along with his son, Bala Inuwa Muhammad Jr., and other associates, Inuwa faces multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation, and making false statements. The charges claim that, between August 2022 and April 2023, they transferred funds meant for KASCO into personal accounts.
Following their arrests, a Kano State High Court granted administrative bail to Inuwa on self-recognizance, while his son was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ¦ 10 million bond.
Legal proceedings continued, with Inuwa’s legal team challenging the PCACC’s jurisdiction, seeking the withdrawal of certain judges, and requesting the removal of police officers stationed at Limestone Processing Links Ltd.
It took another turn when Inuwa accused PCACC in January 2025 of violating court orders by seizing his property, which led to a public outcry.
He urged law enforcement agencies to respect judicial decisions and not undermine the court’s authority in the ongoing legal matters.
Speaking to journalists on January 8, Inuwa claimed the agency had taken over properties stocked with trailers, fertilizer grinding machines, and other agricultural implements in contravention of a High Court order.
In response, the PCACC chair vehemently dismissed these allegations, arguing that the restraining orders obtained by Inuwa were interim orders that had expired since 2024.
He also noted that the PCACC was not made a party to the proceedings, despite being the primary agency in charge of the confiscated properties.
Magaji emphasized that Section 40 of the Kano Anti-Corruption Law empowers the commission to secure such properties while the case is ongoing.
Two weeks ago, Magaji disclosed during a press briefing that his commission had thwarted an attempt to relocate seized properties worth over ¦ 2 billion, including trailers, trucks, and minivans. The items were moved to a state government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA from their previous location in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
However on Friday, Magaji was arrested by the IGP monitoring team and released the same day at around 10:45 p.m.
According to his lawyer, Usman Umar Fari, the arrest was based on allegations of misappropriating ¦ 4 billion and confiscating properties worth ¦ 2 billion.
Fari criticized the police’s actions as a breach of legal process, noting that the complaints against Magaji involve cases already before the courts.
However, the Nigeria Police on Monday responded by issuing a statement to clarify the situation.
According to the police, Magaji was not arrested but was instead invited for questioning in relation to a petition filed against him.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated, “We wish to clarify that Mr. Magaji was not arrested; instead, he was invited by the Force pertaining to a petition received against him. Any assertions indicating that Mr. Magaji was arrested are unfounded and misleading.”
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Magaji alleged that his arrest was orchestrated by a suspect being prosecuted by his agency.
He described it as retaliation from individuals within the corruption world.
“Anti-corruption fights are fair, but corruption fights are dirty. There are lots of activities being orchestrated against my person,” he said.
Magaji accused the accused persons of attempting to tamper with evidence, prompting his decision to relocate the seized properties to a more secure location.
He added, “When they couldn’t succeed in court, they activated the police to arrest me.”
Also, at a One-Day Dissemination Event for Kano Open Government Partnership (OGP) Second State Action Plan (SAP II 2024-2025) and the Kano State Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024-2028) held on Tuesday in Kano, Magaji, lamented the challenges faced in combating corruption, emphasizing how corrupt individuals exploit the system to fight back.
He detailed the ongoing case and how it unfolded.
“That money we are talking about was put in KASCO’s account between May 2022 and May 2023. The then head of the agency siphoned it. We traced about ¦ 700 million cash that was not spent, blocked it, and identified over ¦ 43 billion that had been spent. We tracked the assets they purchased, seized them in accordance with the law, and charged the matter to court.”
Magaji explained that while the Commission made progress in the case, efforts were obstructed by what he termed “judicial interference.”
He recounted how ¦ 200 million of the blocked funds were allegedly removed through questionable judicial maneuvers.
“Somebody, through the backdoor, used our judicial system to help these people remove ¦ 200 million out of the ¦ 700 million we blocked. They are using this money to fight back. Beyond that, they attempted to seize the property we pledged as evidence before the court. That’s when I said, ‘No.’”
Magaji criticized the alleged complicity of law enforcement officers and judicial representatives in enabling corruption.
He cited an instance where a senior police official dismissed the Commission’s actions, stating, “The property belongs to Ganduje, and you’re too small to seize it.”
“This is not about personalities. This is about anti-corruption. Regardless of your status, as far as you break the law, the law will go after you. In an egalitarian society, we are all supposed to be equal in the eyes of the law,” Magaji said.
He further disclosed how the police guarding the seized property were removed under dubious circumstances, leading to the deployment of civil defense officers.
“Three hours after we stationed civil defense personnel, I received a call that they had been ordered from Abuja to withdraw. I had no choice but to call on KAROTA to secure the property.”
Magaji shared how he faced threats, including an attempt to detain him on charges of abuse of power, mischief, and trespass. He questioned the motives behind such accusations:
“Can I even abuse power as the head of an agency empowered by law to act? If i do is it the appropriate way to go about it?.
“Someone asked me, ‘What do you stand to lose if you allow them to take the property?’ This fight is not about me; it’s about upholding the law,” he added.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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