The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into an alleged local government contract scam, freezing an account holding N160 million. The commission is also working to recover an additional N440 million as the investigation intensifies.
The investigation centers around a contract allegedly awarded without due process, involving the payment of approximately N9 million monthly by each of the 44 local governments in Kano State. The contract, reportedly worth N396 million per month, was exposed by Nigerian filmmaker Bello Galadanchi, who claimed that the state government directed local councils to pay around N10 million each for drug supplies. The contract was awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, a company linked to Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Galadanchi alleged that 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, Dambatta, and Dawakin Tofa, have already made payments for August into Novomed’s account. In response to these allegations, Governor Abba Yusuf has distanced himself from the contract, denying any prior knowledge and ordering an immediate investigation.
PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that key figures in the alleged scam have been summoned for questioning. Among those expected to appear is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, who is scheduled to answer questions about his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, on Thursday.
“In addition to Musa Garba Kwankwaso, we have issued invitations to several other individuals, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection,” said Magaji. “We have also summoned the chairman and secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, as well as the chairman and public relations officer of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum.”
Critics have expressed concerns about the transparency of the interim management committees of the local governments, which were appointed by Governor Yusuf in March after the expiration of the elected council chairmen’s terms. The investigation is ongoing, with more revelations expected as the PCACC continues its efforts to unravel the details of the alleged scam.
