Gov Yusuf names ICPC investigator Saidu Yahya to lead anti-corruption agency

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has nominated Saidu Yahya for screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly as the new Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).

This nomination follows the quiet exit of Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, whose tenure as PCACC chairman ended recently.

Earlier in the week, the commission appointed Zahraddeen Kofar Mata as Acting Executive Chairman, a move that reportedly stirred dissatisfaction among staff and stakeholders.

On Friday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced Yahya’s nomination, describing him as a seasoned anti-corruption professional with significant public service experience.

Born in 1978, the 47-year-old nominee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bayero University Kano and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation.

Yahya’s nomination is backed by his robust career at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he held key roles, including Team Leader of the General Investigations and Constituency/Executive Projects Tracking Division. He was also a member of the ICPC Directorate of Operations Task Force.

With over 18 years of experience in investigating bribery, corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, sabotage, and the diversion of public funds and properties, Yahya is also noted for his expertise in project tracking and staff misconduct cases.

His background includes training at institutions like the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Justice, Defense Intelligence College, and others.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has appointed Barrister Hafsat Ada’u Kutama as the new Secretary and Legal Adviser to the PCACC.

Her appointment takes immediate effect.

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Meanwhile, the outgoing Secretary and Legal Adviser, Barrister Zaharadden Hamisu Kofar Mata, has been directed by the Head of Service to return to the Ministry of Justice for redeployment.