The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested several high-ranking officials, including Garba Musa Kwankwaso, the nephew of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate,
Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The arrests are in connection with an alleged multi-billion Naira drug supply fraud involving the state’s 44 local government areas.
Among those detained are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, and the Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abdullahi Bashir, who also serves as the chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area.
The arrests follow allegations that these officials conspired to award a contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, a company linked to Musa Garba Kwankwaso, for the supply of drugs to 38 local government areas in the state, in violation of public procurement laws.
Preliminary investigations by the commission revealed that each of the 38 local governments paid N9.1 million to Novomed for the procurement of drugs, which were never supplied.
The Managing Director of Novomed, Musa Garba Kwankwaso, who is also a nephew to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was among those arrested.
The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Kabiru I. Kabiru, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
He emphasised that the commission is committed to uncovering the full extent of the scam and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
As of the time of reporting, all suspects remain in the custody of the commission.
