Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of a multi-million naira procurement fraud and the alleged mishandling of federal government palliatives.
The investigation has drawn in several high-profile individuals, including Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The investigation follows accusations that Musa Kwankwaso, who is closely related to both the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate and the governor of Kano State, was involved in a significant procurement scandal.
Reports indicate that a company called Novomed Pharmaceuticals, in which Kwankwaso is a director and believed to be the owner, was awarded a lucrative contract to supply drugs to the 44 local government areas of Kano State.
The contract allegedly bypassed the state’s usual procurement processes, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
The deal reportedly requires each local government to pay around N9 million monthly, resulting in a total payment of approximately N396 million each month.
This has sparked widespread concern, especially after filmmaker and content creator Bello Galadanchi, who was born in the United States but has Nigerian roots, publicly alleged that the state government directed the local councils to pay N10 million each for the drug supply contract.
The contract, according to Galadanchi, was awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, raising eyebrows about possible insider dealings.
In response to these allegations, Governor Yusuf has distanced himself from the contract, asserting that he had no prior knowledge of the deal. He immediately ordered an investigation to get to the bottom of the situation.
The governor’s directive has prompted the PCACC to take swift action by summoning various officials to provide documents and information related to the contract.
During an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that the commission has already issued invitations to several key individuals, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection.
Other officials, such as the chairman of the Kano State branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the state secretary of the association, have also been called to assist with the investigation.
The public relations officer of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum has also been summoned.
Magaji emphasized that these initial invitations are part of the first phase of the investigation. The PCACC is focused on collecting vital information and relevant documents to establish the facts surrounding the contract. “We have also requested various documents from the Ministry for Local Government,” he explained.
Among the requested documents are pre-qualification records submitted by all local governments, certificates of compliance with public procurement laws, and certificates of no objection from the state’s Bureau of Public Procurement.
The commission is determined to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud and ensure accountability. Magaji made it clear that “nobody will be spared in this investigation,” hinting that more individuals may be summoned as the probe progresses.
Although Musa Garba Kwankwaso has not yet been called for questioning, Magaji did not rule out the possibility, stating that if necessary, Kwankwaso would be invited to clarify his role in the scandal.
In addition to gathering documents, the PCACC has requested financial records, including statements from Novomed Pharmaceuticals’ accounts. The commission is also considering imposing a Post-No-Debit (PND) order on the company’s accounts to prevent any funds from being misappropriated during the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest that some government officials may have taken advantage of the situation without the governor’s knowledge. Magaji noted that the investigation is part of a broader anti-corruption drive within Kano State.
As part of the probe, attention has also turned to Shehu Wada Sagagi, Governor Yusuf’s Chief of Staff, who is under investigation for allegedly diverting federal government palliatives meant for the most vulnerable citizens.
The palliatives were intended to help alleviate the economic difficulties caused by the country’s current challenges, but they were reportedly found at an Islamic school Sagagi had built in Gandun Albasa Quarters.
In his defense, Sagagi has denied any wrongdoing and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. He said the palliatives found at the school did not come from the federal government but were instead the result of his farming efforts and donations.
Sagagi stated that he uses the food supplies to feed the students at the Quranic school, providing them with breakfast and lunch. He added that the rice remaining at the school consists of around 80 bags of 25 kilograms each, and he believes the allegations against him are an attempt to damage his reputation.
Sagagi has already informed the governor about the situation and has pledged full cooperation with the anti-graft commission’s efforts. As he put it, “I want to clear my name.”
Magaji confirmed that the PCACC would continue its investigation into the matter and present its findings, regardless of the ongoing court proceedings related to the case.
