Kano Anti-Graft Commission Investigates Kwankwaso’s Nephew, Chief of Staff Over Alleged Contract Scandal, Palliatives Diversion

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched a probe into allegations of multi-million-naira procurement fraud and the alleged mismanagement of federal government palliatives.

Among those under investigation are Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Shehu Wada Sagagi, Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Musa Kwankwaso, a close relative of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate and political mentor to Governor Yusuf, is alleged to have been involved in a procurement scandal related to the supply of drugs to the state’s 44 local government areas.

The contract in question was reportedly awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, a company in which Musa Kwankwaso is a director, allegedly bypassing standard procurement procedures. Each local government was reportedly required to pay around N9 million monthly, amounting to N396 million across all councils.

The allegations were brought to light by Nigerian filmmaker Bello Galadanchi, who accused the state government of compelling each local government to pay nearly N10 million for drug supplies, with the contract exclusively awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals. Galadanchi claimed that 25 local governments had already made payments to the company.

In response, Governor Yusuf, who was initially unaware of the contract, has ordered an immediate investigation. PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that several high-ranking officials from the Ministry for Local Governments have been summoned as part of the probe.

Magaji outlined that the commission is seeking a variety of documents, including pre-qualification and post-qualification submissions, compliance certificates with the state’s public procurement law, and bills of quantities. He emphasized that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.

Regarding Musa Kwankwaso, Magaji stated that while the commission has not yet summoned him, it will do so if necessary. The commission has also requested the company’s financial records and is considering a post-no-Debit (PND) order to prevent potential fund misappropriation.

Magaji suggested possible collusion within the government, stating, “Preliminary findings suggest that certain individuals might have taken undue advantage of the situation, potentially without the governor’s knowledge.”

In a related investigation, the PCACC is also looking into allegations against Shehu Wada Sagagi for allegedly diverting federal government funds.

Grassroots Parrots had exclusively reported that during a nationwide hunger protest, some irate youths broke into an Islamic school built by Sagagi in Gandun Albasa Quarters and looted hundreds of bags of rice. The rice was allegedly part of the federal government’s palliatives, intended for the most vulnerable members of society.

Magaji confirmed that the investigation aims to determine whether Sagagi used his position to influence the allocation of the palliatives to the school. Despite ongoing court proceedings, the commission remains steadfast in its investigation.

Sagagi has denied the allegations, asserting that the rice found at the school was from his farming activities, donations, and personal purchases. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, claiming that the accusations are an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

As the investigations continue, the PCACC remains committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.

Grassroots Parrots