The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has secured a “post no debit” order on accounts linked to an alleged local government contract scam in the state, effectively freezing N160 million while working to recover an additional N440 million.
Investigations into the scandal are ongoing, with key figures expected to be questioned, including Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Kwankwaso’s company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, is at the center of the controversy, which involves the alleged awarding of contracts without due process.
The contract reportedly required each of Kano’s 44 local governments to pay approximately N9 million monthly, amounting to N396 million in total.
The scandal gained public attention when Bello Galadanchi, a U.S.-born Nigerian filmmaker and content creator, claimed that the State Government directed Local Councils to pay around N10 million for drug supplies, with the contract exclusively awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals. Payments for August have already been made by 25 local governments.
Governor Yusuf, who appointed Interim Management Committees for the Local Governments after the expiration of elected Council Chairmen’s tenures, has denied any prior knowledge of the contract and has ordered an immediate investigation.
PCACC Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji revealed that several individuals have been summoned for questioning, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, the Director of Local Government Inspection, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, and others involved in the local government operations.
This investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds in Kano State.
