ICPC invites el-Rufai’s ex-adviser Jimi Lawal over alleged fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Jimi Lawal, an ex-aide of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna. 

Lawal was senior adviser and counsellor on the Kaduna economic development council from 2019 to 2023. He also served as el-Rufai’s special adviser in the former governor’s first term.

In a letter dated August 12, the ICPC slated Lawal’s interview for Wednesday, after the former aide requested for a rescheduling due to the nationwide protest.

“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).”

‘I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE’

In a statement issued through Austin Oniyokor, his media officer, Lawal said he is not afraid of a probe.

“On the 1st of August, 2024, Lawal missed a call from an unknown number. As a highly courteous and responsible citizen, when he called the line back, the person at the other end identified himself as an ICPC official and that he had an invitation letter dated 1st August, 2024, for him to appear at headquarters of the Commission the next day,” the statement reads.

“Recall that that was the week the #Endbadgovernanceprotest commenced.

“He (Lawal) drew the attention of the ICPC official to this notorious fact and asked for a rescheduling till after the protest; a request which the official consented to.

“On Monday, 12th August, 2024, Lawal on his own volition called the official to ask for the new date since the protest was over. The official said he would check their schedule and get back to him.

“At about midnight on Monday, 12th August, 2024, the official sent the soft copy of the invitation dated 12th August, 2024, to him.”

He also said reports that he has been placed on a watchlist were wide of the mark.

“Tomorrow is Wednesday, 14th August, 2024. So, how can someone who got a letter of invitation at about midnight on Monday, 12th August, 2024, asking him to report on Wednesday, 14th August, 2024, be said to have absconded? Why watchlist someone who called you to ask for an appointment since he has nothing to hide?” the statement added.

“As a Senior Counsellor and Chairman, Kaduna State Economic Development Council, Lawal had no budget and authority to approve contracts.

“It is clear from the foregoing facts that this so-called investigation is malicious and politically-motivated. It is the reason orchestrated media reports are being churned out to smear Lawal’s image in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public even before he is heard.

“Otherwise, how does N144 million allegedly traced to his account from some private companies translate to N11 billion?

“So, all the noise about N11 billion light rail project is nothing but hot air. No matter how fast and far lies go, the truth will catch up with it. Our faith in the country and the judiciary remains unshaken.

“We sure will have our day at the appropriate time and fora.”

EL-RUFAI ADMINISTRATION UNDER PROBE

TheCable understands that the planned interrogation of Lawal is not unconnected to the probe of the el-Rufai administration by the Kaduna house of assembly.

In June, the Kaduna assembly recommended a probe of the administration over allegations bordering on funds diversion and money laundering.

The assembly made the recommendation following a report by an ad hoc committee set up to investigate the state’s finances under the former governor.

The assembly accused the el-Rufai administration of siphoning N423 billion.

The assembly also recommended the probe of Lawal and Muyiwa Adekeye, former special adviser to el-Rufai on media and communication.

El-Rufai was governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023.

The former governor has dismissed the allegations against him as “politically motivated”.