Kano, Nigeria — The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with an alleged drug supply fraud involving approximately N347 million ($850,000). The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into a multi-million naira procurement scandal.
Among those detained are Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area, and Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals. Notably, the nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has also been summoned for questioning.
The PCACC has charged the suspects with violations of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, Public Procurement Law, and Financial Management Law. The allegations revolve around a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment that reportedly proceeded without the necessary approvals from Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to sources within the commission, Abdullahi Bashir admitted to facilitating an illegal payment of N402.6 million for drug procurement, with N347.7 million allegedly disbursed by 38 local governments before the investigation began.
“The actions of these officials were a blatant disregard for the law,” an anonymous source revealed. “They circumvented required protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.”
The arrested officials were brought in for questioning on Tuesday and remain in custody as the investigation continues. The PCACC has pledged to thoroughly investigate the alleged corruption and ensure that all involved parties are held accountable.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible for this illegal activity to justice,” the source added.
The scandal gained prominence following allegations by Bello Galadanchi, a filmmaker and content creator based in the United States. Galadanchi claimed that the Kano State government instructed each of the 44 local government councils to pay approximately N10 million for drug supplies, with the contract awarded solely to Novomed Pharmaceuticals. He also alleged that 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, and Dambatta, had already made payments to Novomed’s account for August.
Critics have expressed concerns about the transparency of dealings under the interim management committees appointed by Governor Yusuf in March, after the elected council chairmen’s terms ended. Governor Yusuf has denied any knowledge of the alleged fund diversion or the contract awarded to Novomed.