Kano Anti-Graft Agency Blocks N160 Million, Plans to Question Kwankwaso’s Nephew in Contract Scam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has taken decisive action in its ongoing investigation into an alleged local government contract scam. The commission has successfully secured a “post no debit” order on an account linked to the scandal, effectively blocking N160 million while also working to recover an additional N440 million.

This development comes as the commission continues its investigation into the scandal, with key figures expected to be questioned in the coming days. One of the individuals under scrutiny is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is a prominent leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Musa Kwankwaso is set to be questioned on Thursday regarding the involvement of his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, in the alleged contract scam.

The controversy centers around a contract reportedly awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals without following due process. The contract allegedly required each of Kano State’s 44 local government councils to pay around N9 million monthly, totaling N396 million every month, for drug supplies. According to Bello Galadanchi, a Nigerian filmmaker based in the United States, the state government directed the local councils to make these payments exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

Galadanchi further claimed that 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, had already made their payments for August to the company’s account.

Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the dealings of the interim management committees overseeing these local governments. These committees were appointed by Governor Yusuf in March after the tenures of the elected council chairmen expired. The governor has since distanced himself from the contract, stating that he had no prior knowledge of the deal and has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, Muhuyi Magaji, the chairman of the PCACC, confirmed that the commission has issued invitations to several individuals as part of the investigation. “We’ve already issued invitations to about five or six individuals, including the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection,” Magaji said.

The commission has also summoned the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, the state secretary of the association, and the chairman of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum. Additionally, the public relations officer of the forum has been invited for questioning.