The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has criticized the arrest and detention of Muhuyi Magaji, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. HEDA also condemned the invitation of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian police, an action allegedly carried out under the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement, HEDA described these actions as a clear abuse of power. The organization accused the police of attempting to intimidate Magaji, a prominent anti-corruption advocate in Kano State, and Sowore, who has been vocal in exposing police misconduct on Nigerian roads.
Concerns Over Justice and Accountability
HEDA expressed concerns that Magaji’s arrest is tied to the confiscation of properties allegedly linked to Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These properties, according to HEDA, were under interim forfeiture by a competent court and in the custody of the Kano State Government. Sowore, on the other hand, has been exposing cases of extortion by police officers under the guise of conducting checkpoints.
The statement, signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, criticized the police for what it called an outrageous misuse of authority. The group alleged that these actions were aimed at granting access to possibly looted assets while undermining legitimate anti-corruption efforts.
Undermining Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Agenda
Suraju warned that such actions threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system and erode trust in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts. He stated, “The arrest of Muhuyi Magaji is a blatant act of intimidation and injustice, and it is unacceptable in a democratic society that values transparency and accountability.”
HEDA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently by directing the IGP and other law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to the law. The organization emphasized that law enforcement must not be weaponized to silence individuals committed to exposing corruption.
HEDA’s Demands
The group urged the immediate withdrawal of the prosecution attempts against Magaji and the police invitation to Sowore. HEDA also demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Magaji’s arrest and a halt to any actions that could disrupt legal processes related to the seized properties allegedly tied to Ganduje.
“Nigeria’s fight against corruption should not be compromised by political interests or abuse of institutional power. HEDA remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and justice,” Suraju concluded.
Background
Chronicles Reporters learned that Magaji was arrested on Friday by officers from the IGP’s office. The arrest is reportedly linked to the seizure of properties allegedly associated with Ganduje. Magaji is currently detained at Zone One police headquarters in Kano, with his relatives and legal representatives denied access to him.
Similarly, Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has been invited by the police over a video he recorded during an encounter with officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
The invitation, dated January 23, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, directs Sowore to appear on Monday, January 27, 2025, for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0JHEDA