Crime
Kano Drug Scam: Permanent Secretary Mohammed Kabawa, ALGON Chairman Abdullahi Bashir, Musa Kwankwaso Arrested
In a major development, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has apprehended five individuals, including key officials, in connection with a multi-billion naira drug supply scam.
The arrested individuals include Mohammed Kabawa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Tarauni Local Government Area. Additionally, Musa Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of NNPP national leader Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has been taken into custody.
The suspects are accused of conspiring to award a contract to Novomed for the supply of drugs to 38 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, in violation of public procurement laws. It has been revealed that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.150 million for these drugs, which have yet to be delivered.
The commission’s spokesperson, Kabiru Kabiru, confirmed the arrests and noted that the suspects are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The commission is working to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud and ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice.