Politicians Must Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Fight, CISLAC Warns IGP

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a firm call to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to resist any form of political meddling in law enforcement.

This follows the contentious arrest and subsequent release of Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), an incident described as a grave “threat to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.”

In a statement endorsed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC characterized the event as a stark example of “corruption fighting back.”

Rafsanjani cautioned that such actions have the potential to derail anti-corruption initiatives and diminish public trust in state institutions.

Critiquing the circumstances surrounding Rimingado’s arrest, Rafsanjani pointed to its apparent connection to the commission’s ongoing investigation into properties allegedly tied to a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He warned: “The Inspector General of Police must not allow his office to be used by desperate politicians to undermine anti-corruption efforts or shield powerful individuals from legitimate investigations. Actions like these not only tarnish the reputation of the police force but also erode public confidence in the impartiality of state institutions.”

Rimingado’s detention on Friday evening stemmed from his agency’s seizure of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, part of an investigation targeting the former Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural Supply Company.

CISLAC highlighted that these actions were carried out within the bounds of the agency’s legal framework and backed by a court order.

Although Rimingado was released on bail the same night, he was instructed to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further questioning.

Rafsanjani expressed grave concern over the implications of such political interference, stating it not only damages Nigeria’s international reputation but also undermines President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to uphold transparency and accountability.

He concluded emphatically: “Political interference in law enforcement must be resisted to ensure justice is upheld and the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework is preserved.”

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