Crime

Five Arrested in Kano Drug Supply Scam, Including Kwankwaso’s Nephew

Published by admin on August 22nd, 2024.

Five Arrested in Kano Drug Supply Scam, Including Kwankwaso’s Nephew

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has apprehended five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in connection with a significant drug supply fraud.

Among those arrested is Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria’s Kano branch and Chairman of Tauroni Local Government Area. Also in custody is Garba Kwankwaso, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of the NNPP National Leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The suspects face allegations of colluding to secure a contract for Novomed to supply drugs to 38 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State, purportedly breaching public procurement regulations. Investigations have revealed that while each LGA paid N9.150 million to Novomed for drug supplies, the drugs were never delivered.

According to Kabiru Kabiru, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, all the suspects are cooperating with the investigation. The commission is actively working to uncover the full scope of the alleged fraud and hold those accountable. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation proceeds.