Anti-Graft Agency Goes After Kwankwaso’s Nephew, Gov Yusuf’s Chief Of Staff

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

Among those implicated are Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Shehu Wada Sagagi.

Musa Kwankwaso, who is closely related to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate and political mentor of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is accused of involvement in a procurement scandal. The company at the center of the controversy, Novomed Pharmaceuticals—where Musa Kwankwaso is a director—is believed to have been awarded a contract to supply drugs to all 44 local government areas in Kano State.

The contract, allegedly awarded without following due process, required each local government to pay approximately N9 million monthly, totaling N396 million. The scandal came to light when Bello Galadanchi, a U.S.-based Nigerian filmmaker, claimed that the state government directed each local council to pay about N10 million for the drug supply, exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

Governor Yusuf has distanced himself from the contract, denying prior knowledge and ordering an immediate investigation into the matter.

The PCACC Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, confirmed that the commission has summoned several officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments and key figures within the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State. The commission has also requested various documents related to the contract to gather crucial evidence.

Magaji emphasized that the investigation would leave no stone unturned, stating that nobody would be spared in the pursuit of accountability. He also mentioned that the commission might summon Musa Garba Kwankwaso if necessary and has taken steps to secure financial documents and prevent the potential misappropriation of funds.

Magaji hinted that preliminary findings suggest certain individuals might have exploited the situation without the governor’s knowledge, and the investigation aims to uncover the motive behind the alleged fraud.

In a related development, the PCACC is also investigating allegations against Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Yusuf, over the alleged diversion of federal government palliatives. The palliatives, intended for the most vulnerable members of society, were reportedly found at an Islamic school Sagagi had built.

Sagagi has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, clarifying that the rice found at the school was from his farming activities and donations, not federal government palliatives. He described the allegations as a calculated attempt to tarnish his image and discourage his community efforts.