Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Seasoned Investigator Saidu Yahya to Lead Anti-Corruption Commission
Kano: Governor Yusuf Appoints Seasoned Investigator Saidu Yahya to Lead Anti-Corruption Commission
Barr Hafsat Kutama Named New Legal Adviser as Muhuyi Magaji Bows Out After Two-Term Tenure
By Hassan Kano
Public Eye News | August 1, 2025 | Kano
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated Mr. Saidu Yahya, a seasoned anti-corruption expert and public service professional, as the new Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).
The nomination was formally forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, as announced in an official statement issued Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Who is Saidu Yahya?
Mr. Yahya, 47, brings nearly two decades of robust experience in investigating corruption, bribery, money laundering, and financial crimes. Until his nomination, he served with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as Team Leader of the General Investigations and Constituency/Executive Projects Tracking Division.
He has also been a key member of the ICPC’s Directorate of Operations Task Force, where he contributed significantly to project tracking and the recovery of diverted public funds.
A graduate of Bayero University Kano (BUK) with a Bachelor’s in Economics, Yahya also holds a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation.
Over the years, he has received extensive professional training from top Nigerian institutions including the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Federal Treasury Academy, Defense Intelligence College, and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, among others. He is widely regarded for his expertise in asset tracing, courtroom testimony, risk analysis, and capacity building for anti-corruption officers.
New Secretary and Legal Adviser Appointed
In a related development, Governor Yusuf has also approved the appointment of Barrister Hafsat Ada’u Kutama as the new Secretary and Legal Adviser to the PCACC, effective immediately.
Barr. Kutama replaces Barrister Zaharadden Hamisu Kofar Mata, who has been redeployed back to the Ministry of Justice for reassignment. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the commission’s legal frameworks and ensure diligent prosecution of corruption cases.
Muhuyi Magaji’s Tenure Ends
The development follows the completion of the two-term tenure of Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who led the PCACC for eight years, beginning his service under previous administrations and continuing into Governor Yusuf’s tenure.
Governor Yusuf praised Muhuyi for his “courage, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability,” and expressed optimism about future collaboration.
“The Government of Kano State remains open and willing to work with Barrister Muhuyi in the future, whenever the opportunity arises,” the governor stated.
Magaji’s tenure was marked by high-profile investigations, increased public awareness about corruption, and institutional reforms within the commission. His leadership was both impactful and, at times, controversial, particularly for taking on powerful interests in the state.
Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption
The dual appointments underscore the Yusuf administration’s ongoing commitment to institutional reform, transparency, and anti-corruption. Kano’s PCACC remains one of Nigeria’s few state-level anti-graft agencies with a legal mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption-related cases.
Analysts say the combination of Yahya’s investigative pedigree and Kutama’s legal acumen could mark a new phase of strategic enforcement and institutional credibility for the PCACC.
Civil society groups have welcomed the nomination, urging the Kano State House of Assembly to expedite the screening process to ensure the commission continues its work without disruption.
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