By Milcah Tanimu

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has apprehended several key figures, including Garba Musa Kwankwaso, nephew of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Also arrested were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Kano State chapter, and other individuals involved in a suspected multi-billion naira drug supply fraud.

The investigation began with the arrest of Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with the alleged scam. Following this, Abdullahi Bashir, the Chairman of ALGON in Kano State and Tauroni LGA, was also detained.

The suspects face accusations of conspiring to award a contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals for supplying drugs to 38 local government areas in the state, a move that allegedly violated public procurement laws. Initial investigations revealed that each local government paid approximately N9.1 million to Novomed for drug supplies, which were reportedly never delivered.

Musa Garba Kwankwaso, the Managing Director of Novomed and nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was also arrested in connection with the scam. The PCACC has confirmed that all suspects are cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing.

Kabiru I. Kabiru, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are underway to fully uncover the extent of the fraud and bring those responsible to justice. The suspects remain in the commission’s custody as investigations continue.