Jimi Lawal, former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with an alleged fraudulent Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion.
Lawal is currently being questioned by ICPC officials at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, as confirmed by SaharaReporters.
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It has been reported that there was no contract file for the supposed light rail project, although it was allegedly paid for in full.
Lawal appeared before the ICPC investigative team on Wednesday.
The commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed to SaharaReporters on Thursday morning that Lawal remains in their custody.
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“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 served as a senior adviser and counselor on the Kaduna Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023 and was also a special adviser during Governor 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.
“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,” the letter reads.
“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).”
