Kano Govt Takes Legal Action Against FG Over ‘Intimidation’ Of State Anti-corruption Agency

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kano state government has recently filed a legal suit against the Federal Government, raising concerns of alleged intimidation directed towards the state’s Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC).

The government claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Code of Conduct Bureau have engaged in actions that have hindered the PCACC’s operations.

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The state Anti-corruption Commission’s Executive Chairman, Bar. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, was invited by the aforementioned federal agencies at different times to provide information regarding the Commission’s activities spanning from 2011 to 2023. Bar. Muhuyi interpreted these invitations and inquiries as politically motivated attempts, orchestrated by influential politicians under investigation, aimed at evading accountability.

The case lists EFCC, ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau as defendants. The presiding judge, Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu, issued an order to restrain the federal agencies and their agents from further questioning or investigating PCACC officials or interfering with the agency’s matters.

In addition, the court advised all parties involved to maintain the “Status Quo Ante-Bellum.” The Attorney General of Kano state, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, and Bar. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado are listed as the first, second, and third plaintiffs, while EFCC, Code of Conduct Bureau, and ICPC are named as the first, second, and third defendants.

The court referred to a Supreme Court decision in Nwobike vs FRN, emphasizing that the powers of the EFCC and other respondents to investigate alleged financial crimes are not limitless and should respect boundaries. It clarified that the scope of their authority does not extend to investigating offenses committed at the state level with relevant penal provisions.

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The Kano state Anti-corruption Commission, despite facing allegations of corrupt practices within its management, remains determined to execute its responsibilities. Bar. Muhuyi maintained that they possess substantial evidence and would persist in combating corrupt practices within the state’s governance system.

He emphasized that the Commission operates within the confines of the law and possesses the authority to investigate various sectors, including government agencies and even the judiciary.

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