ICPC detains El-Rufai ex aide Jimi Lawal over alleged N11bn fraud

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

Lawal is currently being questioned by ICPC officials at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Reports indicate that there is no contract file for the alleged light rail project, despite it purportedly being paid for in full.

Lawal appeared before ICPC investigators on Wednesday.

ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed to SaharaReporters on Thursday morning that Lawal remains in custody. “Yes, Lawal is still with us. He arrived on Wednesday evening and will be released once he meets his bail conditions,” the spokesperson said.

Lawal served as a senior adviser and counselor on the Kaduna Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023 and was also El-Rufai’s special adviser during his first term.

An ICPC letter dated August 12 scheduled Lawal’s interview for Wednesday, following his request for rescheduling due to nationwide protests. The letter stated:

“Pursuant to Section 28(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and your request to reschedule the interview due to the nationwide protest, you are also requested to bring the following documents: i. A copy of your appointment/engagement letter with the Kaduna State Government from 2015-2023. ii. Details of all companies associated with you. iii. Statements of all bank accounts from 2015 to 2023 (both soft and hard copies). iv. Schedules of all your investments to date. v. Any other relevant documents.”