The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has intensified its probe into a massive procurement scandal involving N440 million.
The investigation focuses on allegations that approximately N10 million was illicitly diverted from each of the 44 local government accounts to Novomed Pharmaceuticals for medical supplies, potentially breaching public procurement laws.
The scandal has attracted significant attention to Kano State’s financial management. The PCACC issued a letter dated July 18, 2024, summoning several high-ranking officials from the Ministry for Local Government to provide clarity on their roles in the transactions. Those summoned include the Chairman and Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Chairman and PRO of the DPM Forum, the Director of Local Government Inspection, and the Director of Planning.
The investigation was initiated following allegations by Dr. Bello Galadanci, a social media content creator known for his critical stance on Nigerian leadership and corruption. He accused the Kano State Government of bypassing due process in awarding the contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals and diverting funds from local government accounts.
In response, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf denied any knowledge of the alleged diversion. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Governor Yusuf emphasized efforts to prevent financial leakages and misuse of public funds.
Kano State Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, and the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature, confirmed that Governor Yusuf has ordered a thorough investigation. The Executive Chairman of the PCACC, Muhyi Magaji, has been tasked with investigating the allegations and reporting the findings for further action.
The summoned officials are scheduled to appear before the PCACC on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Commission’s office, which is a critical step in the ongoing investigation into the N440 million procurement scandal.
