The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has initiated a major investigation into allegations of corruption linked to the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the state’s 44 local governments.
The agency has already made significant arrests in connection with the case, including key government officials, as the investigation unfolds. Among those arrested is the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara.
In addition to Kabara, the State ALGON Chairman, Abdullahi Ibrahim, who also serves as the interim Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, was detained.
Four other individuals have been arrested as part of the probe, bringing the total number of arrests to six. These individuals are being questioned in connection with the alleged mismanagement of funds related to the procurement process.
The arrests occurred after the officials reported to the commission around 11 a.m. on Tuesday. They were subsequently detained and subjected to questioning by the PCACC operatives.
According to sources close to the investigation, they have been under scrutiny for their involvement in directing the payment of significant sums of money for the procurement contract.
One of the key points of the investigation involves an alleged illegal payment of N402.6 million for the procurement of drugs and medical equipment. The payment, which had already begun before the investigation was launched, involved contributions from 38 local governments in the state. Specifically, a sum of N347.7 million had been paid out before the anti-corruption agency stepped in.
The PCACC is accusing the officials of breaking several laws in the process of awarding the contract. These laws include the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.
The officials are alleged to have awarded the contract without adhering to proper procedures and regulations, and without obtaining the required approval from the state governor.
Governor Abba Yusuf, who has denied any prior knowledge of the contract, had earlier directed the PCACC to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
The governor expressed concern over the manner in which the procurement process was conducted, as it did not go through the appropriate channels. In response to these concerns, the PCACC, under the leadership of its chairman, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado, has been actively investigating the matter.
The agency has also extended an invitation to Musa Garba, the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, for questioning. Garba, who is a nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is believed to have a role in the procurement process and is expected to answer questions about his involvement.
