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.
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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.”
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