Kano probes N440m diversion from accounts of 44 LGs

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has ramped up its investigation into a significant procurement scandal involving N440 million.

The investigation is focused on allegations that approximately N10 million was unlawfully siphoned from each of the 44 local government accounts to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, purportedly for the procurement of medical supplies.

The transaction is now under scrutiny for potentially violating public procurement laws.

The alleged embezzlement, amounting to N440 million, has ignited widespread outrage and brought the state’s financial management practices under intense scrutiny.

In a letter dated July 18, 2024, the PCACC summoned several senior officials from the Ministry for Local Government to clarify their involvement in these transactions. Among those invited are the Chairman and Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Chairman and Public Relations Officer of the DPM Forum, the Director of Local Government Inspection, and the Director of Planning.

The investigation was prompted by whistle-blower Dr. Bello Galadanci, a prominent social media content creator known for his outspoken stance against alleged corrupt practices among Nigerian leaders.

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Galadanci accused the Kano State Government of bypassing due process in awarding the contract to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, leading to the alleged diversion of N10 million from each local government.

In response, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf denied any knowledge of the alleged diversion, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

“My administration is committed to transparency and will not tolerate any form of corruption,” Yusuf stated in response to the whistleblower’s claims.

Furthermore, in a joint statement, Kano State Commissioner for Information Baba Dantiye and the governor’s spokesman Sanusi Bature confirmed that the governor has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

“The governor has directed the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and report the findings for further necessary action,” the statement read.

The officials named in the PCACC’s letter are expected to appear before the Commission on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM. This meeting, set to take place at the Commission’s office, is crucial to the ongoing investigation into the N440 million procurement scandal.