Code of Conduct tribunal suspends Kano anti-graft boss, Magaji

The Code of Conduct Tribunal has suspended the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji, following allegations of misconduct and breaches of public officerโ€™s conduct.

Magaji, who is facing charges ranging from alleged conflict of interest to false asset declaration and accepting bribes, was arraigned in Abuja on Thursday.

The CCT granted a motion for his suspension, directing him to step aside from his position pending the resolution of the case.

The Kano State Government had earlier dragged the Federal Government before the state High Court over what it described as harassment and intimidation of the PCACC chairman by three federal agencies.

This was a sequel to an invitation sent to the PCACC and its officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Code of Conduct Bureau, respectively, to answer questions over the state commissionโ€™s administration from 2011 to date.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the spokesperson for the CCB, Veronica Kato, confirmed Magajiโ€™s suspension by the CCT.

The statement read, โ€œThe Code of Conduct Tribunal has suspended the Chairman, Kano State Anti-corruption and Public Complaints Commission, Muhuyi Magaji, today in Abuja on a 10-count charge of corruption filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau on November 16, 2023.

โ€œDelivering the ruling, the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, established that the tribunal has the competence and jurisdiction to hear the case.

โ€œHe explained that Muhuyi Magaji cannot continue to discharge the duties and responsibilities of his office while facing trial to avoid any interference with the case. Hence, the suspension

โ€œThis is pending the conclusion of the trial. The case has been adjourned till May 7 and 8, 2024, for hearing.โ€