Controversy trails probe of Kano anti-graft chair, director by CCB, EFCC

The invitation of the chairman of Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Rimingado and the agency’s director of Finance by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have generated controversy.

While the CCB summoned Rimingado for questioning, the EFCC has also invited the Director of Finance of the Kano anti-graft agency to Abuja to furnish the agency with relevant transactions involving Rimingado.

A letter of invitation dated August 8, 2023 and signed by the acting deputy director, Cybercrime and other related offences, EFCC, Muhtar Bello, which was seen by our reporter, said financial records of Rimingado from 2019 should be provided by PCACC for necessary action.

It reads, “The Commission is investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from your office is imperative. In view of the above, you are requested to kindly release the Director of Finance and Accounts to report for an interview with the undersigned through the Team Leader AFF/TC at Plot 301/302 Institution and Research District Jabi, along Airport Road, Abuja on Monday, 29th August, 2023 by 1000hours.

“He should come along with the following information: I. Details of total funds released to your office by the Office of the Accountant General of Kano state from 2019 to 2021 fiscal year. II. Details of total funds released to your office by the Kano state Ministry of Local Government from 2019 to 2021 including contracts executed and details of beneficiary accounts.”

Also, in another letter by CCB signed by Gwimi S. P. Director, Intelligence, Investigation & Monitoring, the Bureau said it has launched an investigation on alleged violation of the Code of Public Officers against Rimingado, and called on Director, Personnel Management Department of Kano anti-corruption agency to provide requested information to aid the probe.

The letter reads, “Pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the 3rd Schedule, Part 1, paragraph 3(e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, The Code of Conduct Bureau is investigating a case of alleged violation of the Code of Public Officers against a staff of your organization by name Muhuyi Magaji Gado. Consequently, you are kindly requested to furnish the Bureau with certified True Copies (CTC) of detailed information on the following. I. His letter of appointment/acceptance II Salary payslips from July 2020 to August, 2023; III. Records of Service.”

In 2022, Rimingado was sacked by Abdullahi Ganduje, immediate-past governor of Kano, on allegations bordering on abuse of office.

But on June 21, Abba Yusuf, current governor of Kano, approved the reinstatement of Magaji as PCACC chair.

Rimingado has vowed to investigate a video that appears to show Ganduje, now national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), receiving kickbacks in dollars from a contractor.