The Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC) has strongly condemned what it described as the forceful and irregular arrest of former Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force.
In a statement signed on Saturday by its Executive Director, Dr. Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, the organisation expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a “direct affront to the rule of law, human dignity and civil liberties.”
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According to eyewitness accounts cited by FIDAC, heavily armed police officers allegedly stormed the legal chambers of the former anti-corruption boss along Zaria Road, Kano, on Friday without presenting an arrest warrant or disclosing any grounds for the arrest.
The organisation said the manner of the operation resembled a militarised assault, which it said contravenes constitutional protections guaranteed under Nigerian law.
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FIDAC noted that the action contradicts key provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 35(1) on personal liberty, Section 35(3) which mandates that suspects must be informed of reasons for arrest, Section 35(4) which stipulates that detained persons must be charged within reasonable time, and Section 36(5) which upholds the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
SolaceBase reports that Dr. Kani said FIDAC views such actions as part of a “dangerous trend that could weaken public trust in law enforcement institutions,” especially when directed at individuals known for promoting transparency and accountability.
Describing Rimingado as a prominent figure in the fight against corruption, FIDAC highlighted his contributions to public accountability, particularly during the administration of former governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his continued support to the present administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. It recalled his interventions during the 2019 fuel scarcity crisis and the COVID-19 period, noting that his actions protected citizens against exploitative market practices.
The organisation issued five key demands, including the immediate and unconditional release of Barrister Muhuyi Magaji, unless backed by a valid court order. It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to safeguard democratic values and urged the Inspector-General of Police to commence an impartial investigation into the conduct of the arresting officers.
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FIDAC further appealed to civil society groups, traditional institutions, media practitioners, legal advocates, students, and members of the public to show solidarity, emphasising that the matter is not just about an individual but about upholding justice and preventing the abuse of state power.
The organisation warned that it would seek legal redress should Rimingado remain in detention beyond 24 hours, describing his continued detention as “arbitrary and unconstitutional.”
FIDAC concluded by reminding Nigerians that democracy thrives when citizens challenge abuse of authority, urging the public not to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“It is the duty of all citizens to stand against oppression,” the statement read, adding that Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law rather than intimidation or impunity.