Alleged fraud: Anti-graft Agency threatens to Kwankwaso, Perm Sec, ALGON Chairman, others

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has detained several individuals, including Garba Musa Kwankwaso, a nephew of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Also arrested are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for Kano State, and other officials, in connection with an alleged drug supply fraud affecting the 44 local government areas of the state.

Earlier, the commission apprehended Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, the Permanent Secretary of the State’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with a multi-billion Naira drug supply scam. Following this, additional arrests were made, including Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the state branch of ALGON and Chairman of Tauroni LGA. The suspects are accused of conspiring to award a contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals for drug supply to 38 local governments in the state, in breach of public procurement regulations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that each of the 38 local governments paid N9.1 million to Novomed for drug procurement, but the drugs were never delivered. The commission also reported that Musa Garba Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed and nephew to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was arrested in connection with the case.

All suspects are reportedly cooperating with the investigation team. The commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru I. Kabiru, confirmed the arrests and stated that the investigation is ongoing. He assured that efforts are being made to fully uncover the scope of the scam and hold those responsible accountable. The suspects remain in custody as of the latest update.