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, regarding a controversial Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion.
Reports indicate that the project lacked a formal contract file, yet full payment was allegedly made.
Lawal was scheduled to appear for questioning by ICPC investigators but did not attend, nor was he represented. Consequently, the ICPC has requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) place Lawal on a watchlist at all entry points to prevent him from fleeing the country amid ongoing investigations.
According to the ICPC, Lawal is under scrutiny for loans—both domestic and international—that were allegedly secured without adhering to proper procedures. The commission’s investigation uncovered significant financial activity, revealing N144 million in receipts from four private companies deposited in Lawal’s bank account.
A communication from the ICPC to the DSS and NIS stated: “The individual in question (Lawal Shakiru Olujimi Adebisi) is being investigated for criminal conspiracy. There is credible information suggesting that he may attempt to leave the country to avoid prosecution. Please ensure he is placed on the watchlist and arrested if encountered at any airport, seaport, or land border.”
Additionally, the ICPC has invited twenty high-ranking officials and the Managing Director of a company for questioning regarding $350 million in loans intended for the rehabilitation of schools and essential infrastructure. Interrogations are scheduled from August 13 to August 16.
Among those summoned are project coordinators and accountants from various state programs, including the Kaduna State Transportation Programme and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
An ICPC source revealed that multiple petitions concerning El-Rufai’s administration had been received and thoroughly vetted, leading to this latest inquiry. Preliminary investigations indicated the need for further questioning based on the findings.
This investigation marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State. In June, the Kaduna House of Assembly’s ad-hoc committee reportedly discovered that over N423 billion was misappropriated from the state’s funds between May 2015 and May 2023, along with irregular withdrawals from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account.
The committee has demanded that several individuals and companies refund over N55 billion for alleged uncompleted projects, overpayments, or misappropriated funds. Despite these allegations, El-Rufai has publicly denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he was not afforded a fair hearing by the House of Assembly.
