The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with an alleged multi-billion naira drugs supply scam.
Also arrested is Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria and Chairman of auroni Local Government Area.
According to Kabiru Kabiru, Public Relations Officer of the commission, the suspects include Garba Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of NNPP National Leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The suspects are accused of colluding to award a contract to Novomed for drug supply to 38 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, violating public procurement laws.
Preliminary investigations revealed that each LGA paid N9.150 million to Novomed for drug procurement, but the drugs were not supplied.
Kabiru stated, “We have 44 LGAs in the state and they succeeded in collecting N9.150 from 38 councils for supply of the drugs that were not supplied.”
He added, “The findings also revealed that all the suspects are cooperating with the commission’s investigation team.”
The commission is working to uncover the full extent of the alleged scam and bring those responsible to justice.
The suspects are currently in the commission’s custody as the investigation continues.
