Appeal Court Reinstates Kano Anti-Corruption Boss Muhuyi Magaji
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the suspension of Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Umaru Fadawu, declared the suspension order issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) as prejudicial and a violation of Magaji’s right to a fair hearing.
In the lead judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Fadawu stated, “The suspension order by the CCT is flawed and violates the fundamental principles of fair hearing.” The court further directed that the matter be reassigned to a different panel of the tribunal for re-evaluation.
Magaji had been suspended on April 4, 2023, following allegations of misconduct by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The CCT had instructed the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to appoint an acting chairman for the commission pending the resolution of the case. However, Magaji’s legal team, led by Adeola Adedipe, SAN, argued that the suspension violated his constitutional rights and amounted to a denial of justice.
Adedipe contended that the tribunal had presumed Magaji’s guilt at an interlocutory stage without giving him a fair trial. He also argued that the tribunal acted beyond its jurisdiction by instructing the Kano State Governor and SSG, who were not parties to the case.
The Appeal Court supported these arguments, criticizing the tribunal’s handling of the case. Justice Fadawu noted that the CCT had made speculative findings without material evidence.
Reacting to the judgment, Magaji expressed relief, calling it “a victory for the rule of law and justice” and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Kano with integrity.
Additionally, the Appeal Court ordered that the case against Magaji, which involves a 10-count charge of alleged conflict of interest and false declaration of assets, be reassigned to a new panel of the CCT for further proceedings.
