..as Barr. Hamza Caution Against Impunity
By Abdullateef Bambgose
The arrest of Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, has triggered widespread outrage and sharp condemnation from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and human rights activists, who see the move as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence anti-corruption crusaders.
According to Barrister Hamza N Dantini , Barr Muhuyi Magaji was detained by officers of the Nigerian Police Force on allegations of “wrongful prosecution” and “abuse of office”
charges that stem from his tenure as head of the state’s anti-graft agency. He was released late yesterday evening, but the move has already sparked fears of a growing trend of reprisal attacks against public officials who dare to take on powerful interests.
In a scathing statement, Hamza N. Dantani, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, condemned the arrest as an “abuse of power” and “institutional intimidation”. “This is a clear case of the police being used as a tool for vendetta and retaliation against a public official who has shown courage and integrity in fighting corruption,” Dantani said. “If this is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent and embolden corrupt elements to continue their nefarious activities with impunity.”
The NBA has also expressed concern over the arrest, warning that it could undermine the rule of law and the fight against corruption. “The NBA will not stand idly by while the police are used to intimidate and harass anti-corruption officials,” said a spokesperson for the association.
The incident has also sparked concerns about the safety and protection of anti-corruption officials in Nigeria, with many calling for the Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action to address the situation.