The Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission of Kanu State has announced the arrest of five persons in connection with an alleged multi-billion naira drugs supply scam.
The arrest was made on Wednesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Kabiru Kabiru, to newsmen.
The statement noted that six people had been arrested in relation to the scam; Alhaji Mohammed Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was listed as one of the arrested.
Other persons arrested include, the chairman of the state branch of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, who is also the Chairman, Tauroni Local Government Area, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of the NNPP National Leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The statement noted that the individuals arrested were accused of connivance to award a contract to Novomed for the supply of drugs to 38 LGA government areas in the state, which violated the procurement laws of the state government.
According to him, the preliminary investigations have shown that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.150 million to Novomed for the procurement of drugs, but after the payment, the company failed to supply the drugs as agreed. It was noted that the individuals figured in the case are helping the commission investigate the crime accused.
Kabiru explained that the commission’s investigation team was working to determine the level of the crime, which would help in preventing offenders.
The statement also noted that the suspects were held in the commission’s custody as more investigations were ongoing.
