Rita Odafe
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has enforced a restriction on accounts linked to an alleged local government contract scam in the state, freezing ₦160 million and aiming to recover an additional ₦440 million.
As the investigation progresses, individuals involved in the case are set to be interrogated by the commission. Among them is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who will face questioning about his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, and its connection to the alleged contract scam.
The investigation revolves around accusations of irregularities in the awarding of contracts without proper procedures. Each of the 44 local government councils in the state was allegedly instructed to pay about ₦9 million monthly for drug supplies to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, totaling ₦396 million each month.
The scandal was brought to light by Bello Galadanchi, a filmmaker based in the United States, who claimed that numerous local governments had made substantial payments to the company under questionable circumstances.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the activities of the interim management committees of the local governments appointed by Governor Yusuf after the elected council chairmen’s terms ended.
Governor Yusuf, distancing himself from the controversy, denied prior knowledge of the deal and initiated an immediate investigation.
The PCACC chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, mentioned that several individuals have been summoned for questioning, including government officials and representatives from local government associations in the state.
