ICPC Detains El-Rufai’s Ally, Jimi Lawal Over Alleged N11bn Light Rail Scam
Former Senior Adviser and Counsellor on Economic Development Council to ex-governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal is presently cooling off in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged fraud of N11 billion for a Light Rail Project in Kaduna State.
Forefront News gathered that Jimi Lawal, who was known as the main anchor man for former governor Nasir El-Rufai is facing interrogation at the headquarters of the ICPC over the Light Rail project for which money was fully paid but, without any contract award.
Demola Bakare, Spokesperson of the ICPC, told journalists on Thursday, August 15, 2024 that Lawal was still in the custody of the Commission and assisting it with investigation into the Light Rail phony project that was allegedly paid for in full.
Bakare said; “Yes, Lawal is still with us. He came in on Wednesday evening and will be released once he meets his bail conditions,” Bakare stated.
Lawal, who was so visible in the eight years administration of El-Rufai as governor of Kaduna State, having served as Special Adviser between 2015 and 2019 and later as Senior Adviser and Counsellor on the Kaduna Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023, arrived the headquarters of the ICPC on Wednesday and has since been detained.
An ICPC letter dated August 12, 2024 had scheduled Lawal for interview for Wednesday following his request for a shift as a result of the nationwide hunger protests.
The Commission’s letter had instructed Lawal to provide various documents, including his appointment letter with the Kaduna State Government from 2015-2023, as well as details of associated companies, bank statements, investment schedules, and other relevant documents.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had indicted Nasir El-Rufai over corruption allegation and set to further probe his tenure as governor.
