Kano Anti-Graft Agency Freezes N160m in Contract Scam, Summons Kwankwaso’s Nephew

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has frozen a bank account linked to a contract scam involving local government funds, effectively blocking N160 million.

The commission is also working to recover an additional N440 million.

As part of its ongoing investigation, the PCACC has summoned several key figures, including Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Kwankwaso is expected to face questioning on Thursday regarding his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, and its alleged involvement in the contract scam.

The controversy revolves around a contract awarded without due process, where each local government was required to pay approximately N9 million monthly, totalling N396 million. The contract was exclusively awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

Bello Galadanchi, a US-born Nigerian filmmaker, brought the scandal to light, alleging that the state government directed local councils to pay N10 million for drug supply to Novomed Pharmaceuticals. According to Galadanchi, 25 local governments have already made payments for August to the company’s account.

Critics have raised concerns about the dealings of the local governments’ interim management committees, appointed by Governor Yusuf in March. However, the governor has since distanced himself from the contract.

PCACC chairman Muhuyi Magaji revealed that the commission has issued invitations to several individuals, including top officials from the Ministry for Local Governments and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State.