Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to the immediate past Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a purported N11 billion Light Rail Project. The project is alleged to be fraudulent, with no contract files or evidence of implementation, despite full payment being made.
Lawal, who was scheduled to appear before ICPC investigators, failed to do so and did not send a representative. The anti-graft agency has requested the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to place Lawal on a watch-list, fearing he may attempt to flee the country to avoid prosecution. Lawal is also being investigated for securing loans without following due process, with over N144 million traced to his account from four private companies.
The ICPC has also summoned 20 top officials and the Managing Director of a company for questioning regarding $350 million in loans intended for the rehabilitation of schools and infrastructure. These interrogations are scheduled to take place between August 13 and 16, 2024.
The probe into Lawal's activities is part of a broader investigation into the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. In June, a Kaduna State House of Assembly committee uncovered alleged misappropriations totaling over N423 billion during El-Rufai’s tenure. The ongoing investigations reflect mounting scrutiny over the financial management of the El-Rufai administration.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations and has initiated legal action to challenge the findings of the state assembly's report.
