The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the suspension of Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).
A three-judge panel, led by Justice Umaru Fadawu, ruled that the suspension issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) was unjust and infringed on Magaji’s right to a fair hearing.
In the lead judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Fadawu declared that the suspension was procedurally flawed and directed that the case be transferred to a new panel within the tribunal.
Magaji’s suspension, dated April 4, 2023, stemmed from misconduct allegations raised by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Following this, the CCT, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, instructed the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to appoint an interim chairman for the commission while the matter was under review.
Magaji’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, challenged the suspension, arguing that it denied his client justice. He criticized the tribunal for prematurely judging Magaji and violating his constitutional right to a fair trial.
Adedipe also contended that the CCT overstepped its authority by involving state officials who were not parties to the case.
The appellate court sided with these arguments, condemning the tribunal for speculative conclusions unsupported by evidence.
Justice Fadawu described the tribunal’s actions as a breach of legal standards.
After the judgment, Magaji expressed gratitude, calling it a triumph for justice and the rule of law. He reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Kano with integrity.
The court also ordered that the ongoing case against Magaji, which involves a 10-count charge of alleged conflict of interest and false asset declaration, be reassigned to a different panel for impartial review.
