The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Kano State House of Assembly Speaker Jibril Falgore, his deputy Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, and three other officials in connection with an investigation into a N440 million drug contract scandal involving all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
Other key figures summoned include Majority Leader Hussaini Lawan Dala, Minority Leader Labaran Madari, Clerk of the House Bashir Diso, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Permanent Secretary is scheduled to appear on September 18, with the Speaker and others to follow on September 19.
The ICPC’s probe follows allegations that the drug contract awarded to NOVOMED Pharmaceuticals violated Kano State’s Procurement and Financial Management Laws. In response, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the 44 local government chairmen obtained a court order to halt further investigations by the state’s anti-graft commission. However, the ICPC remains committed to pursuing the case, citing a whistleblower’s report as a key factor driving the investigation.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), has contested the legal standing of the local government officials, noting that Caretaker committees are unconstitutional under Nigerian law. The commission has called for the court to lift the restraining order and allow the investigation to continue.
