ICPC detains El-Rufai former aide over N1b light rail project

ICPC has arrested and detained a former aide of ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal (left) over a N1 billion light rail project

Former special adviser and close ally of the immediate former State Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal, has been arrested and detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged fraud of N11billion on Light Rail Project.

However, it was gathered that Lawal is one of those the lawmakers in the state indicted in the N423billion naira financial scam against El-Rufai is now currently undergoing interrogation by ICPC officials at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

It was alleged that there was no contract file for the supposed light rail project which was fully paid for.

Lawal who was earlier declared wanted by the ICPC when he did not show up after the Commission’s invitation, but later reported himself to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday and was immediately brought before the Commission’s investigative team.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed on Thursday morning that Lawal was still in the Commission’s custody.

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

In a letter dated August 12, the ICPC scheduled Lawal’s interview for Wednesday, following his request for rescheduling due to the nationwide protests.

According to the letter, “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.

“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).”