BREAKING: Nigerian Anti-Corruption Body, ICPC Grills Former Governor El-Rufai’s Ex-Aide, Jimi Lawal Over Alleged N11Billion Fraud

Jimi Lawal, former Special Adviser to immediate past Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged phoney Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion.

Lawal is currently being grilled by ICPC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters, in Abuja, SaharaReporters can confirm.

It was learnt that there was no contract file for the implementation of the purported light rail but it was allegedly paid for in full.

Lawal appeared before ICPC team of investigators on Wednesday. 

The commission’s spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed to SaharaReporters on Thursday morning that Lawal was still with them. 

"Yes, Lawal is still with us, he came in on Wednesday evening and he will be released when he meets his bail condition," the spokesperson said. 

Lawal was senior adviser and counsellor on the Kaduna Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023. He also served as El-Rufai’s special adviser in the former governor’s first term.

In a letter dated August 12, the ICPC slated Lawal’s interview for Wednesday, after the former aide requested for a rescheduling due to the nationwide protest.

“Pursuant to the provision of Section 28(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and your request to reschedule the interview to a later date due to the nationwide protest,” the letter reads.

“Also, you are requested to come along with the following documents: i. Copy of appointment/engagement letter with Kaduna State Government from 2015-2023. ii. Details of all companies associated to you. iii. Statement of all bank accounts from 2015 to 2023 (soft and hard copies). iv. Schedules of all your investments to date. v. Any other relevant document(s).”