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Prosecution of Cases is the most Critical in the Fight against Corruption” – ICPC Chairman

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The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN has revealed that prosecution of cases is the most critical in the fight against corruption.

Dr. Aliyu stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at a Capacity Building Workshop for Judges on the promotion of public policy and interest of justice in the prosecution of corruption cases and other related offences, organized by the ICPC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.

According to the ICPC Boss, investigation and prosecution of cases are pivotal to achieving success in anti-corruption efforts, adding that the perception of the ordinary man on the street is tied to trial of cases in courts and the recoveries of proceeds of corruption.

“The investigation and prosecution mandate of the Commission is very critical in the fight against corruption, especially the prosecution of cases in court, which is part of the enforcement process. This prosecution of cases is the most critical in the fight against corruption as the perception of the ordinary man in the street is tied to the trial of cases in court and recoveries of looted funds” he emphasized.

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Dr. Aliyu seized opportunity to draw the attention of the Judges on the need to integrate technology into trial of cases, revealing that “in the fight against corruption globally and in the trial of cases, new case management systems are being innovated for an effective and efficient justice delivery system”.

According to him, “the new norm now is the admissibility of electronically generated evidence and the introduction of technology in the administration of justice in our judicial system”.

The Chairman told the Judges that the workshop was necessary, as the justice sector remained the fulcrum of concern in the fight against corruption.

According to the Chairman, “the justice sector remains a focal point of concern, particularly regarding bribery involving stakeholders in the justice sector”.

He revealed that “despite limited public contact, judicial officials exhibit relatively high bribery prevalence, emphasizing the need for targeted anti-corruption measures in this sector.”

In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, reminded the participants that the role of judicial officers in ensuring effective prosecution of corruption cases could not be dispensed, adding that the Judiciary remains the cornerstone of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

Represented by Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, the Administrator of NJI, the CJN pointed out that the workshop, which was a platform for capacity building, had underscored the judges’ collective commitment to advancing the administration of justice and combating corruption in the society.

The workshop brought together, judges across Nigeria with the focus on building the capacity of the senior judicial officers in areas of justice system, forfeiture laws, money laundering, and the integration of technology into cases of trial.

 

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Kano Government Attributes Muhuyi’s Arrest to Handling of High-Profile Corruption Cases Involving Politically Exposed Persons

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The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the arrest and subsequent transfer to Abuja of the former Chairman of the Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, by heavily armed operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. The development was disclosed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude (SAN), while addressing journalists in Kano on Friday evening, with the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, standing in support.

According to Maude, credible information available to the state government revealed that Mr. Rimin Gado was arrested at about 5:30 p.m. at his law office along Zaria Road, Kano, without the presentation of any warrant of arrest or disclosed court process. He was first taken to the Police Headquarters at Bompai, Kano, before being whisked away to Abuja later that same evening. The Attorney General stressed that the incident raises serious constitutional and legal concerns, citing Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, and the right to enforce fundamental rights.

While acknowledging the powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate crimes, Maude emphasized that such powers must be exercised strictly within the confines of due process and constitutional safeguards. He noted that the arrest of a former head of a major anti-corruption agency without prior engagement with the state’s justice system undermines federalism and inter-governmental cooperation. “Although prior notification may not be a strict constitutional requirement, professionalism and respect for institutional courtesy demand it, especially in actions capable of affecting public peace and political stability,” Maude said.

The Attorney General further warned that the manner, timing, and militarized nature of the arrest could provoke fear, public tension, and political misinterpretation within Kano State. He alleged that certain political elements outside the state may be attempting to exploit federal institutions to destabilize Kano and disrupt its prevailing atmosphere of peace and good governance. “The government is deeply worried about the political undertones of this operation,” he added.

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Maude also revealed that the arrest may be linked to several high-profile criminal investigations and ongoing prosecutions involving politically exposed persons from Kano State. He explained that Mr. Rimin Gado is believed to possess critical, firsthand evidence in those cases, raising fears that his arrest was calculated to obstruct or compromise the integrity of sensitive investigations. “This action poses a serious threat to the administration of criminal justice,” the Attorney General declared.

Even more troubling, Maude noted, is the existence of a subsisting order of the High Court of Justice restraining the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from arresting or harassing Mr. Rimin Gado. He condemned the police for disregarding the lawful order and deploying over forty heavily armed officers for the arrest. “At a time when the nation is grappling with serious security challenges, the deployment of such massive force for a civilian arrest is shocking and raises concerns about misplaced priorities and abuse of power,” he said.

The Attorney General stressed that Kano State remains peaceful and governed by the rule of law, warning that any action capable of provoking disorder or politicizing law enforcement must be firmly rejected. He outlined the government’s position, demanding strict compliance with constitutional provisions, calling on the police to clarify the legal basis of the arrest, reaffirming commitment to the rule of law, and cautioning against the misuse of federal security apparatus for political objectives.

In his closing remarks, Maude assured the public that the Kano State Government remains committed to cooperating with lawful security agencies but will not hesitate to take constitutional steps to protect its citizens and preserve public peace. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as the government continues to monitor the situation closely. “We will act decisively in the overall interest of justice, peace, and constitutional order,” he concluded.

 

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Kano Online Chapel Remains Committed to Ethics, Condemns Blackmail Journalism-Dangambo

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The Chairman of Kano Online Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Abubakar Abdulqadir Dangambo has called on his members to remain committed to ethical Journalism.

He stated this in a chat with newsmen in Kano on Friday.

Dangambo further described the act by some Online newspapers editors in blackmailing people and institutions by using pseudonym as blackmailing and against the ethics of Journalism.

“There is balancing in Journalism, you can’t just report one side in a conflicting story to avoid being described as bias but it is unfortunate that some people are hiding under the name of Kano to be reporting what is blackmailing and unethical in the discharge of their work.

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Journalism remains one of the symbol of development, when Journalists remain ethical by doing their job with all sincerity I believe this is the beginning of development.

I’m calling on such journalists who refused to register with us for reasons best known to them to do so as we will not fold our arms seeing Online Journalists misbehaving and their misconduct will be seen like we are all the same.

These Online newspapers know themselves, they should do so as soon as possible as we are now working in publishing the name of our members”. He said

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President Tinubu Approves New Governing Boards for BOA, UBEC, NADF

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
– Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

– South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

– South South Representative: Gift Ngo

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– South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

– North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

– North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

– North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

– Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

– Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
– Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

– Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

– Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
– Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
– Charles Amuchienwa – South East
– Oladejo Odunuga – South West
– Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
– Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
– Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

– Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
– Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
– Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
– Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
– Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
– Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
– Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments, as announced and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), on Friday. take immediate effect.

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