Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Jimi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, with money laundering and corruption. The charges allege that Lawal misappropriated funds amounting to over ₦64 million from Kaduna State government accounts between 2018 and 2024, funneling the money into an account for which he was the sole signatory.
Truth Live News gathered that Lawal has however refuted these allegations, describing the investigation as “malicious and politically-motivated.” He contends that, in his role as Senior Counsellor and Chairman of the Kaduna State Economic Development Council, he lacked the authority to approve contracts or manage budgets, implying that the accusations are unfounded.
This case is part of a broader scrutiny of the El-Rufai administration. In June 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly recommended a probe into the former governor’s administration over allegations of siphoning ₦423 billion. The Assembly’s report also suggested investigating other former aides, including Lawal and Muyiwa Adekeye, the ex-Special Adviser on Media and Communication.
Given the political context and the involvement of multiple former officials from the El-Rufai administration, there are concerns that these investigations could be politically motivated. However, without concrete evidence, it’s challenging to definitively classify the ICPC’s actions as a political witch hunt. The outcome of the legal proceedings and further developments will provide more clarity on the nature and intent of these charges.