By Bashir Bello, Kano
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, along with Abdullahi Ibrahim, the State ALGON Chairman and interim Council Chairman of Tarauni local government, and four others. This action stems from allegations of corruption related to the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the 44 local governments in the state.
Reports indicate that the Commission has also invited Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning.
The arrested officials were detained at the Commission since Tuesday morning and have been interrogated by anti-graft agency operatives. A source disclosed that the ALGON Chairman admitted to illegally facilitating the payment of N402.6 million for drug procurement. Notably, N347.7 million had already been disbursed by 38 local governments before the investigation commenced.
The PCACC accuses the officials of violating multiple laws, including the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law. They allegedly awarded the contract for drug supplies to the 44 local governments without the necessary approvals from the state governor, Engr. Abba Yusuf.
Governor Yusuf has since denied any prior knowledge of the contract and directed the PCACC Chairman, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado, to investigate the allegations and report back with findings for further action.
