Musa Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has announced his intention to legally challenge three anti-corruption agencies. This move comes after he appeared before the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Thursday, accompanied by his legal team.
Kwankwaso, who serves as the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a multi-million naira drug supply contract scam. The investigation, led by the PCACC, centers around a ₦440 million drug contract awarded by the Kano State Ministry for Local Governments to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.
Following his appearance before the commission, Kwankwaso stated his determination to seek judicial redress, asserting that he would not allow the anti-corruption agencies to act against him without proper legal scrutiny.
The alleged scam has raised significant concerns in Kano State, leading to investigations by multiple agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These agencies have also extended invitations to Kwankwaso regarding the same matter.
Kwankwaso’s legal counsel, Barrister Okechukwu Nwaeze, criticized the involvement of multiple agencies in investigating the same offense, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. He emphasized that the matter has already been addressed in court, and they plan to seek further judicial clarification on the issue.
As part of the investigation, the PCACC has secured a post-no-debit order on the account of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, blocking over ₦160 million and initiating efforts to recover the remaining funds. Several officials connected to the case, including Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Bashir, chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), have also been questioned and granted administrative bail.
Kwankwaso’s legal challenge is expected to add complexity to the ongoing investigation, with further developments anticipated as the case unfolds in court.
Hyelsinta Hassan