Kwankwaso’s nephew, others under scrutiny in N440m Novomed scandal
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has intensified its investigation into a massive procurement scandal involving a staggering N440 million.
The probe focuses on allegations that about N10 million was illicitly diverted from each of the 44 local government accounts to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, a company owned by Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The transaction, intended for the purchase of medical supplies, is now under scrutiny for potential violations of public procurement laws.
The alleged corruption, totaling N440 million, has sparked outrage and drawn significant attention to the state’s financial management practices.
In a letter dated July 18, 2024, the PCACC summoned several top officials from the Ministry for Local Government to clarify their roles in the transactions.
Those invited include the Chairman and Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Chairman and PRO of the DPM Forum, the Director of Local Government Inspection, and the Director of Planning.
Galadanci has accused the Kano State Government of bypassing due process in awarding the contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, which allegedly led to the diversion of N10 million per local government.
In response, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has denied any knowledge of the alleged diversion. He emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and highlighted efforts to prevent financial leakages that could lead to the misuse of public funds.
“My administration is committed to transparency and will not tolerate any form of corruption,” Yusuf stated in response to the whistleblower’s allegations.
Further, in a joint statement, Kano State Commissioner for Information Baba Dantiye and the governor’s spokesman Sanusi Bature confirmed that the governor has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
“The governor has directed the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and report the findings for further necessary action,” the statement read.
The officials named in the PCACC’s letter are expected to appear before the Commission on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The meeting, which will take place at the Commission’s office, is crucial to the ongoing investigation into the N440 million procurement scandal.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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