The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has apprehended five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with an alleged multi-billion naira drug supply scam.
Also among those arrested is Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, the chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area (LGA). Additionally, Garba Kwankwaso, the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of NNPP National Leader Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has been detained.
The suspects are accused of colluding to award a contract to Novomed for supplying drugs to 38 LGAs, violating public procurement laws. Preliminary investigations revealed that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.15 million to Novomed, yet the drugs were never supplied.
The findings show that the suspects successfully collected N9.15 million from 38 councils without delivering the drugs. Sources indicate that all suspects are cooperating with the commission’s investigation team.
The commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru Kabiru, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged scam and ensure accountability.
As of the latest report, the suspects remain in the commission’s custody.
