The Code of Conduct Tribunal, on Thursday, suspended the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji, following allegations of misconduct and breach of public officer’s conduct.
Magaji, who is facing charges ranging from alleged conflict of interest, breach of the code of conduct for public officers, abuse of office, false asset declaration, to bribery and accepting gifts, among others, was arraigned in Abuja on Thursday.
The CCT granted the application directing the defendant to step aside as the chairman of PCACC over the allegation of contravening the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act CAP C15 LFN 2004.
The CCT ordered Magaji to step aside pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The tribunal also ordered the Kano State Governor and the Secretary to the State Government to appoint the most appropriate officer to take over as acting chairman of the commission, pending the hearing and determination of the case against Magaji.
The CCB’s spokesperson, Veronica Kato, revealed the development in a statement on Thursday.
Kato said, “The Code of Conduct Tribunal has suspended the Chairman, Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complains Commission, Muhuyi Magaji, today, in Abuja.”
According to the statement, the CCB had sincd November 16, 2023 filed 10 counts against Magaji.
Kato said, “Delivering the ruling, the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, established that the tribunal has the competence and jurisdiction to hear the case.
“He explained that Muhuyi Magaji could not continue to discharge the duties and responsibilities of his office while facing trial, to avoid any interference with the case, hence, the suspension.
“This is pending the conclusion of the trial. The case has been adjourned to May 7 and 8, 2024 for hearing.”
The Kano State government had earlier sued the Federal Government at the state high court over what it described as harassment and intimidation of the PCACC chairman by three federal agencies.
This was sequel to an invitation sent to the PCACC and its officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission; and the CCB.
Ruling an ex parte application by the state government, marked K/M1128/2023, Justice Farouk Adamu had ordered the federal agencies and their agents to stop questioning or investigating Magaji and other PCACC officials.
