Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser and Senior Counselor to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has denied allegations that he evaded an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Lawal clarified that he received the ICPC’s letter of invitation only at midnight on Monday, which instructed him to report to the commission today, Wednesday.
Responding to reports that he is under investigation for his involvement in an alleged N11 billion fraudulent light rail contract in Kaduna State, Lawal emphasized that he had no authority or budget to approve contracts during his tenure. He made these clarifications through a statement issued by his media office, represented by Austin Oniyokor.
The statement addressed claims that Lawal was being watch-listed by the ICPC for failing to honor their invitation. According to the statement, Lawal missed a call from an unknown number on August 1, 2024, and upon returning the call, he was informed by an ICPC official about the invitation. The statement also noted that the invitation coincided with the onset of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which may have contributed to the timing of his response.
Lawal's media office emphasized that the allegations against him are baseless and that he remains committed to cooperating with the ICPC to clarify his role in the Kaduna light rail project.
