The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, for questioning over a suspected N11 billion Light Rail Project scam. Lawal failed to appear before the ICPC, leading the commission to request that the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) place him on a watch-list.
The ICPC has alerted the DSS and NIS to monitor Lawal at all airports, seaports, and land borders, citing concerns that he might flee the country to avoid prosecution. The letter to the agencies describes Lawal as a potential flight risk, given his alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and loan irregularities.
The investigation revealed that Lawal’s bank account holds N144 million from four private companies. Additionally, the ICPC is questioning twenty senior officials and a Managing Director regarding $350 million loans intended for school and infrastructure projects.
This probe is part of a broader investigation into the El-Rufai administration. In June, the Kaduna House of Assembly’s ad-hoc committee alleged that N423 billion was misappropriated from the state government between 2015 and 2023, and $1.4 million was withdrawn from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account. Governor El-Rufai has denied these allegations, claiming he was not given a fair hearing by the House of Assembly.
