Jimi Lawal, a former senior adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has been summoned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of fraud. Lawal, who served as a key adviser on Kaduna’s Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023, is being investigated in connection with a purported N11 billion light rail project that reportedly lacks proper documentation but was allegedly paid for in full.
The ICPC’s invitation, dated August 12, 2024, requests Lawal to appear for questioning on August 14, 2024. The commission has also asked him to provide various documents, including details of his financial transactions and investments from 2015 to 2023.
In response, Lawal, through his media officer, Austin Oniyokor, stated that he is not afraid of the probe and insisted that he has “nothing to hide.” He explained that he had initially requested a postponement of the interview due to nationwide protests but has since voluntarily contacted the ICPC to reschedule.
Lawal also dismissed reports that he has been placed on a watchlist, questioning the logic behind such claims when he had proactively reached out to the commission. He further asserted that the investigation is politically motivated, pointing out discrepancies in the financial allegations against him.
The ongoing investigation appears to be part of a broader probe into the el-Rufai administration by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. In June, the assembly recommended a probe into alleged financial mismanagement during el-Rufai’s tenure, claiming that N423 billion had been siphoned from state funds. The investigation also targets other officials from the former administration.
Governor el-Rufai has denied the allegations, describing them as politically driven and has taken legal action to challenge the probe’s findings.
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