Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Boss Awarded Honorary Peace and Humanitarian Ambassador to the United Nations

The Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kano State, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been honored with the title of Honorary Peace and Humanitarian Ambassador to the United Nations. The award was presented during a sideline meeting at the United Nations CSW69 (2025) held at the UN Secretariat in New York, USA, organized by Prezens for Charity as part of this year’s CSW69 event titled: Digital Inclusion as a Catalyst for Gender Equality.

The award presentation was to be conducted by Ecoma Alaga, Senior Political Affairs Officer and West African Team Leader. However, due to her unavailability, Elizabeth Amanda Chen of Dedimus Potestatem , UN Women’s CSW69 Moderator, presented the award on behalf of Global Humanitarian Excellence, alongside Ambassador Catherine Utsalo, Vice President of Prezens for Charity.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Utsalo described Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as a trailblazer, stating:

"His unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to justice, particularly in defending the rights of women and children in Kano State, set him apart. We are proud to celebrate his achievements on this global stage."

Elizabeth Amanda Chen, who officially presented the award, further emphasized:

"He was among a select group of nominees worldwide, recognized for his steadfast support for women and children in Kano State. After closely monitoring his impactful work, we nominated him from among thousands of individuals and honored him with this prestigious recognition."

Muhuyi Magaji Expresses Gratitude

In his remarks, Muhuyi Magaji expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the award, which he described as a significant morale booster and an international recognition of his efforts as Kano State’s Ombudsman in protecting individual rights—particularly those of the most vulnerable members of society, including women, girls, and children.

He also commended the United Nations CSW for its annual program, stating that it raises awareness and contributes significantly to alleviating the suffering of marginalized groups worldwide.

Furthermore, Magaji extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his unwavering support of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, whose work is now receiving global recognition.

Radio Nigeria reports that Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado is among the select few who received awards during the 2025 CSW69 sideline program held at the United Nations in New York City.

Anti-Corruption Agency Cracks Down on Land-Grabbing Syndicate in Kano, Arrests Key Suspects

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has uncovered a major land-grabbing syndicate, recovering over 1,200 plots of land and arresting several key players.

The commission has launched an extensive investigation into the syndicate, accused of manipulating legal and administrative systems to fraudulently acquire public and private lands.

Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the PCACC, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, revealed that the syndicate allegedly operated with the assistance of judiciary staff, lawyers, and land officials. "Preliminary findings have exposed a well-organized network of fraudsters exploiting loopholes to forge documents, backdate agreements, and obtain fake court judgments," he said.

Modus Operandi of the Syndicate

Rimingado detailed the group's operations, explaining how they colluded with influential individuals to legitimize their fraudulent activities. "They target properties of deceased individuals, absentee owners, or unsuspecting landowners, using forged affidavits and backdated documents to claim ownership," he stated.

One case involved 40 plots of land, where the rightful owner still held valid ownership certificates. "Despite no mortgage or transfer, the syndicate seized the land. We've recovered these plots, valued at over ₦20 million, and returned them to the owner," Rimingado disclosed, presenting evidence of the fraud.

Arrests and Evidence

Several suspects, including lawyers and public officials, were apprehended during the operation. Among them was a key figure caught with ₦2,857,000 in cash, allegedly intended to bribe officers for his release.

Rimingado said, "The suspect attempted to use the cash as a bribe during his arrest, which adds to the evidence against him."

The chairman also confirmed that some legal practitioners and officials were directly involved, drafting fraudulent agreements and facilitating the schemes.

Legal Action and Systemic Reforms

PCACC has vowed to prosecute all suspects, working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders. Rimingado emphasized, "We will pursue legal action based on advice to ensure justice is served and future occurrences are prevented."

He highlighted how the syndicate manipulated the legal system by filing fake applications, creating non-existent defendants, and obtaining fraudulent consent judgments. "These judgments were used to intimidate legitimate landowners, with courts unknowingly granting orders based on falsified affidavits," Rimingado explained.

Government Support and Future Plans

The PCACC chairman commended the Kano State Government for its support in reforming land administration. "This investigation is a milestone in our fight against corruption. It will restore sanity to the system and deter others from engaging in such activities," he said.

The commission remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, with ongoing investigations and reforms promising a more secure land administration system in Kano.

Residents can now look forward to a future where public and private property rights are better protected.