The Advocacy for Human Right and Cultural Values for Development Initiative has condemned the arrest of Barrister Muhuyi Magaji, the lead prosecutor in the ongoing corruption case linked to the Dala Inland Dry Port.
Magaji was arrested on Friday December five twenty twenty five by what the group described as a heavily armed police team allegedly deployed from Force Headquarters in Abuja. He was reportedly taken from his law firm in Kano to an undisclosed location outside the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation described the operation as arbitrary unlawful and politically motivated. It said eyewitnesses recounted that armed officers stormed Magaji’s office, threatened violence and took him away without presenting a warrant, despite existing court orders said to protect him from harassment.
Although Magaji was released on bail on Saturday December six, the group maintained that the manner of his arrest constituted a violation of his fundamental rights and raised serious concerns about the misuse of federal security agencies.
According to the organisation, the arrest appeared aimed at obstructing an ongoing legal process involving individuals accused in the Dala Inland Dry Port case. It warned that intimidating a prosecutor for performing lawful duties weakens the fight against corruption and sends a dangerous signal to others involved in accountability efforts.
The group also criticised the use of what it described as a large contingent of armed personnel for the arrest, noting that Nigeria continues to face grave security challenges that demand urgent attention.
The organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force to publicly explain the legal basis for the arrest and to demonstrate respect for due process and citizens’ rights. It urged the police to operate strictly within the law and to end all forms of intimidation against individuals engaged in lawful and constitutionally protected activities.
In addition, the group appealed to the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association to act to protect the independence of the judiciary and ensure the safety of legal practitioners.
It also called on the Federal Government to prevent security agencies from being used for political vendettas or to interfere with the functions of state institutions.
The organisation demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident and insisted that those responsible be held accountable. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights and promoting judicial independence, adding that it will continue to monitor developments closely.
