N11b Fraud Probe: Court grants ICPC’s request to detain El-Rufai’s ally

A Magistrate’s Court in Abuja has granted the application of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to keep ex-special adviser and ally of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal, in custody over alleged N11 billion fraud.

Lawal, who is a former Special Adviser to El-Rufai, is being investigated over some projects executed during the former governor’s tenure, especially the allegedly failed N11 billion light rail contract.

However, Lawal’s counsel has applied to ICPC to vary the bail conditions given to his client.

Lawal was asked to deposit his international passport and produce two sureties, including a Permanent Secretary and a director in the civil service, it was learnt.

A source, who spoke on account of anonymity said: “As at Thursday evening, Lawal could not meet any of the bail conditions. We have decided to obtain an order from a Magistrate’s Court to keep him in custody for 14 days.”