The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested five individuals, including prominent government officials, in connection with an alleged ₦347 million drug supply scam. Among those detained are Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the Kano State branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area.
Significantly, Garba Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was also apprehended. The arrests were confirmed by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru Kabiru, on August 21.
The suspects are accused of conspiring to award Novomed Pharmaceuticals a contract to supply drugs to 38 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State, in clear violation of public procurement laws. Investigations revealed that each of the 38 LGAs paid ₦9.150 million to Novomed for drugs that were never delivered.
The anti-graft agency is determined to uncover the full extent of the scam and hold all responsible parties accountable. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.