Kano Anti-Corruption Commission arrests top officials in multi-billion naira drug supply scam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested several high-profile individuals, including Garba Musa Kwankwaso, nephew of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in connection with a multi-billion Naira drug supply fraud.

Among those arrested are Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, Permanent Secretary of the State’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Tauroni LGA.

The arrests follow allegations of collusion to illegally award a drug supply contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals for the state’s 38 local government areas, in violation of public procurement laws.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that each of the 38 local governments paid N9.1 million to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, but the drugs were never delivered. Garba Musa Kwankwaso, the Managing Director of Novomed, is accused of orchestrating the scam and has been detained alongside the other suspects.

The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Kabiru I. Kabiru, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are cooperating with the investigation.

The commission is working to uncover the full scope of the fraud and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.