El-Rufai’s former adviser Lawal on ICPC watch-list over N11b project
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in connection with an alleged fraudulent N11 billion Light Rail Project. Reports suggest that there was no official contract for the project, despite full payment being made.
Lawal was expected to appear before ICPC investigators but failed to do so. In response, the ICPC has requested the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to place him on a watch list to prevent him from leaving the country. The ICPC is also investigating Lawal for securing loans without following due process, with suspicious transactions amounting to N144 million linked to his bank account.
In addition to Lawal, 20 top officials and the Managing Director of a company have been summoned over $350 million in loans meant for school rehabilitation and infrastructure. The ICPC’s investigation into El-Rufai’s administration comes amid allegations of corruption, including the siphoning of N423.1 billion during his tenure. El-Rufai has denied the accusations and is challenging the claims legally, arguing that he was not given a fair hearing by the Kaduna House of Assembly.
