The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has apprehended five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry 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, Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria’s Kano branch and Chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area.
The commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru Kabiru, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday.
Notably, Garba Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of NNPP National Leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, was also detained in relation to the scam.
The suspects are accused of colluding to secure a contract with Novomed for drug supplies to 38 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, violating public procurement laws.
Preliminary investigations indicate that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.150 million to Novomed, but the drugs were never delivered.
“We have 44 LGAs in the state, and they managed to collect N9.150 million from 38 councils for drugs that were never supplied,” Kabiru explained.
“All suspects are currently cooperating with the commission’s investigation team.”
The commission is working to uncover the full scope of the alleged scam and hold those responsible accountable. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.
