The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has imposed a post-no-debit order on bank accounts linked to a suspected local government contract scam, freezing ₦160 million and pursuing the recovery of an additional ₦440 million. This development marks a significant escalation in the investigation of alleged corruption within the state.
Among those summoned for questioning is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Musa Kwankwaso, who is expected to appear before PCACC investigators on Thursday, will be questioned about his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, and its involvement in the controversy.
The allegations center on claims that contracts were improperly awarded, with each of Kano State’s 44 local government councils purportedly directed to pay about ₦9 million monthly for drug supplies. This arrangement totals approximately ₦396 million per month, with the contract reportedly awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.
The issue first emerged when Bello Galadanchi, a Nigerian filmmaker residing in the United States, alleged that the Kano State government had instructed local governments to make payments of around ₦10 million each for drug supplies under dubious conditions. Galadanchi’s allegations included a list of 25 local governments that had made payments for August to the company’s account.
Critics have raised concerns about the transparency of these transactions, particularly regarding the interim management committees appointed by Governor Yusuf in March, following the expiration of elected council chairmen’s tenures. Governor Yusuf has since distanced himself from the contract, denying prior knowledge and calling for an immediate investigation.
In an interview with Daily Trust, PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that invitations had been issued to several individuals for questioning, including the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, the Director of Local Government Inspection, and the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State. Also summoned are the state secretary of ALGON and various local government officials.
The investigation continues as the PCACC works to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption and recover the misappropriated funds.
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