The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Tuesday arrested the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Kabara, along with the State ALGON Chairman and interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Abdullahi Bashir.
The duo and five other individuals were detained in connection with alleged corruption in the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for Kano States 44 local governments.
The commission has also invited the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Musa Garba, and the nephew of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation.
According to the PCACC, the arrested officials are suspected of breaching the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.
The allegations revolve around the awarding of a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment, reportedly conducted in violation of statutory provisions and without obtaining the requisite consent and approval from Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
A source close to the commission disclosed that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the ALGON Chairman, has confessed to directing the illegal payment of ₦402.6m for the procurement. Of this amount, ₦347.7m was allegedly paid by 38 of the state’s local governments before the Commission launched its investigation.
The actions taken by these officials were in clear contravention of the law, said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. They bypassed necessary protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.
The arrested officials, who were brought to the commissions office at 11 AM on Tuesday, were still in custody as of 11:15 AM, undergoing intensive questioning by the commissions operatives.
The PCACC has vowed to continue its investigation into the matter, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption.
We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this illegal act are held accountable, the source added.
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