In the ongoing investigation into the award of a controversial contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals by the Kano State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has frozen the accounts of the pharmaceutical company.
The contract involved the supply of drugs to 38 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state, allegedly in violation of public procurement laws.
An inside source from the ICPC, who spoke to Kano Times on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the agency’s move was part of an effort to uncover the extent of the alleged corruption surrounding the contract.
“This action is to prevent the dissipation of funds that may have been obtained through this questionable contract,” the source disclosed.
Novomed Pharmaceuticals is managed by Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former presidential candidate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
The familial connection has drawn public interest, given the individuals involved and the political implications of the case.
The contract awarded to Novomed has been under scrutiny since allegations emerged that it was secured in contravention of public procurement laws.
The source further mentioned that the ICPC is investigating whether there was a breach of procedure and if undue influence was exerted to secure the contract.
“ICPC is ensuring that all contracts awarded by public bodies comply with the law. No one is above the law, regardless of their political connections,” the source added.
This development follows the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission’s detention of five individuals, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, over an alleged multi-billion-naira drug supply scam.
Among those apprehended is Garba Kwankwaso, the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and nephew of NNPP National Leader, Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
His arrest is linked to the same alleged scam, raising questions about the involvement of prominent figures in the case.
The commission also detained Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, Chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Tarauni Local Government Area (LGA).
The suspects are accused of conspiring to award a contract to Novomed for supplying drugs to 38 LGAs across the state, in violation of public procurement laws.
Preliminary findings indicate that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.150 million to Novomed for the procurement of drugs that were never delivered.
“We have 44 LGAs in the state, and they succeeded in collecting N9.150 million from 38 councils for the supply of drugs that were not delivered,” a source familiar with the investigation revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Kabiru Kabiru, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
He assured that the commission is determined to uncover the full scope of the alleged scam and ensure that those involved face justice.
Kabiru also confirmed that the suspects were being held in the commission’s custody at the time of the report.
