The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested five persons, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, over an alleged multi-million naira drugs supply scam.
Also arrested by the commission is the chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, who is also the Chairman, Tauroni Local Government Area.
The commission has also invited the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Musa Garba, and the nephew of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation.
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According to the PCACC, the arrested officials are suspected of breaching the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.
The allegations revolve around the awarding of a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment, reportedly conducted in violation of statutory provisions and without obtaining the requisite consent and approval from Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
A source close to the commission disclosed that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the ALGON Chairman, has confessed to directing the illegal payment of ₦402.6m for the procurement. Of this amount, ₦347.7m was allegedly paid by 38 of the state’s local governments before the Commission launched its investigation.
“The actions taken by these officials were in clear contravention of the law,” said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. “They bypassed necessary protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.”
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The arrested officials, who were brought to the commission’s office at 11 AM on Tuesday, were still in custody as of 11:15 AM, undergoing intensive questioning by the commission’s operatives.
The PCACC has vowed to continue its investigation into the matter, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption.
“We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this illegal act are held accountable,” the source added.
The scandal came to the fore when Bello Galadanchi, a United States-born Nigerian filmmaker and content creator, alleged that the state government directed each of the 44 local government councils to pay about N10 million for the drug supply, with the contract awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.
According to Galadanchi, 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, Dambatta, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Kumbotso, Tudun Wada, Gezawa, Ungogo, Warawa, Ajingi, Kabo, Kura, Madobi, Bichi, Gwarzo, Rogo, Garun Mallam, Takai, Shanono, Kiru, Makoda, Nasarawa, and Gabasawa, have already made payments for August to the company’s account.
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Critics had alleged lack of transparency in the dealings of the local governments’ interim management committees appointed by Governor Yusuf in March, after the tenures of the elected council chairmen expired.
Governor Yusuf had, late last week, distanced himself from the contract by denying prior knowledge of the deal and ordering an immediate probe into the matter.
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