Muhuyi Magaji, who holds the position of Chairman at the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Graft Commission, recently found himself in a legal predicament as he faced arraignment before the Code of Conduct Tribunal in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The charges against him are substantial, totaling ten counts and alluding to allegations of corruption. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of malfeasance within the public sector, emphasizing the commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability in governance.
The charges, including alleged breach of the code of conduct for public officers, conflict of interest, abuse of office, false asset declaration, bribery, and accepting gifts, highlight a range of serious allegations against him.
According to documents obtained the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) revealed that Magaji failed to declare certain bank accounts under his name, amounting to N394 million, raising suspicions of corruption.
The case, which saw the chairman granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties possessing properties within the Federal Capital Territory, has been adjourned to January 10, 2024.
This development stems from investigations by both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau into Magaji’s stewardship during the tenure of the former Kano State Governor, Ganduje.
Magaji had been deeply engaged in the thorough investigation of Ganduje, focusing on allegations of corruption. The specific context revolves around a widely circulated video that purportedly captures the former governor in the act of receiving kickbacks in US dollars from a contractor. This investigation has been a prominent aspect of Magaji’s active pursuit of justice, highlighting his commitment to unraveling and addressing corruption within the political sphere, particularly as it pertains to the actions and financial dealings of public officials.
The EFCC, in a letter, directed the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PCACC) Director of Finance and Accounts to appear for an interview at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on August 29, 2023.
“Based on the information provided, I kindly request the release of the Director of Finance and Accounts to attend an interview scheduled with the undersigned. The interview is to be facilitated through the Team Leader AFF/TC at Plot 301/302, Institution and Research District, Jabi, situated along Airport Road, Abuja. The proposed date for this interview is Monday, 29th August 2023, with a scheduled commencement time of 10:00 hours. Your cooperation in ensuring the director’s attendance is greatly appreciated.”
“He is required to bring the following information: details of the total funds released to your office by the Office of the Accountant General of Kano State for the fiscal years 2019 to 2021.”
“Provide information on the total funds released to your office by the Kano State Ministry of Local Government from 2019 to 2021, including details of executed contracts and beneficiary account information.”
The CCB letter, however, read in part, “Consequently, you are kindly requested to furnish the Bureau with certified True Copies of detailed information on the following: All contractual undertakings by the Commission from 2016 to date.
The letters underscore the intensified scrutiny on Magaji’s activities, creating a complex web of investigations involving multiple agencies.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case not only sheds light on allegations against the Kano State anti-graft commission chairman but also raises questions about the broader dynamics of corruption investigations within the Nigerian political landscape.
