SHOCKING DISCOUNT: Ex-Kano anti-graft chief buys official cars for pennies on the dollar
The former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, acquired two official vehicles, a 2018 Toyota Corolla and a Nissan Hilux, for a total of N1.2 million upon stepping down from his position on August 1, 2025.
This transaction has drawn scrutiny because the approved amounts are significantly lower than the market value of the vehicles.
The 2018 Toyota Corolla was sold to Muhuyi for N425,000, and the Nissan Hilux for N833,333, totaling N1,258,333.33, according to the approval letter signed by Kawu Nasiru, Director of Administration and General Services on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, dated August 19, 2025, and titled: “RE: Approval for the Monetisation of Official Vehicle.”
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Market checks reveal that a foreign used 2018 Toyota Corolla is currently listed at approximately N18 million, with the lowest advertised price around N12.4 million, and other sources placing the starting price at N14 million.
It was this stark difference in price that has raised concerns about the management of public assets and resources.
During his tenure as PCACC Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji had publicly criticized the practice of disposing of government properties at what he termed “ridiculous” amounts.
This past stance has further fueled the scrutiny surrounding his acquisition of the vehicles. The approval for the monetization of these official vehicles was granted by Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State, as detailed in the letter.
Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado has been a prominent figure in anti-corruption efforts in Kano State.
His agency successfully traced over N50 billion in local government funds allegedly diverted by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He stated that the funds were channeled through various local government accounts, with false expenditures created to divert money through third parties, often traced to individual accounts at the Singer Market. These funds were then allegedly converted to dollars and taken to specific individuals. Muhuyi also alleged that Ganduje sold Kano property at “ridiculous prices” to the first family during his reign.
Despite his anti-corruption stance, Muhuyi Magaji has also faced accusations.
For instance, the former Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company, Dr. Bala Inuwa, accused the PCACC under Muhuyi of defying a court order by confiscating his properties. Muhuyi, however, dismissed these accusations, stating that the court orders obtained by Inuwa were either expired or vacated, and that the commission acted within its legal mandate.
The situation in Kano mirrors broader concerns about public asset management and accountability in Nigeria.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and prudence in the management of public funds and assets across various governmental bodies.
