Mr. Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been summoned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with an alleged fraudulent Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion. The project, reportedly paid for in full, has raised concerns due to the absence of a contract file for its implementation.

Despite being scheduled to appear before the ICPC investigators, Lawal failed to show up, and no representative was sent on his behalf. In response, the anti-graft agency has requested the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to place Lawal on a watch-list at all airports, seaports, and land borders, fearing he might attempt to flee the country to evade prosecution.

The ICPC revealed that Lawal is also under investigation for obtaining loans without following due process. The commission’s findings have uncovered a total sum of N144 million deposited in his bank account from four private companies. The ICPC’s letter to the DSS and NIS detailed Lawal’s profile and the necessity of monitoring his movements to prevent his escape.

In a related development, twenty top officials and the Managing Director of a company have been invited by the ICPC for questioning over $350 million in loans intended for the rehabilitation of schools and strategic infrastructure. These officials are expected to undergo interrogation between August 13 and August 16.

This investigation marks a significant twist in the ongoing probe into the administration of former Governor El-Rufai in Kaduna State. Previous investigations by the Kaduna House of Assembly have alleged the misappropriation of over N423 billion from the state’s coffers during El-Rufai’s tenure. The findings also highlighted unexplained withdrawals of $1.4 million and demanded refunds from several individuals and companies involved in questionable contracts.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations and has taken legal action to challenge the report, claiming that he was not granted a fair hearing by the Assembly.