The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has secured a “post no debit” order on accounts linked to an alleged local government contract scam, freezing N160 million and initiating efforts to recover an additional N440 million.
According to DailyTrust, as the investigation deepens, the PCACC is set to continue questioning key individuals involved in the case.
Among those expected to be interrogated on Thursday is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Kwankwaso will be questioned about the role of his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, in the alleged scam.
The controversy centers on a contract purportedly awarded without following due process, which required each of the 44 local governments in Kano State to pay approximately N9 million monthly for drug supplies.
The total monthly payments amounted to N396 million, with the contract allegedly awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.
The scandal came to light when a Nigerian filmmaker and content creator based in China, Bello Galadanchi, accused the state government of directing the local councils to pay about N10 million each for drug supplies. Galadanchi further alleged that 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, Dambatta, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Kumbotso, Tudun Wada, Gezawa, Ungogo, and Warawa, among others, had already made payments to the company’s account for the month of August.
The situation has sparked criticism, with allegations of a lack of transparency surrounding the actions of the interim management committees of the local governments, which were appointed by Governor Abba Yusuf in March after the expiration of the tenures of the elected council chairmen.
Governor Yusuf, who last week denied any prior knowledge of the contract, has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
While speaking in an exclusive interview, the PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that the commission had issued invitations to several individuals for questioning.
These include the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection.
Additionally, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Kano State, the state secretary of the association, and the chairman of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum have been summoned, along with the forum’s public relations officer.
