A Federal High Court in Kaduna State has ordered the interim forfeiture of ₦1.37 billion allegedly diverted from the state government’s coffers into a private account during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The sum, reportedly transferred to an account belonging to Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited, was part of the funds earmarked for the Kaduna Light Rail Project, which was never executed.

Justice H. Buhari granted the forfeiture order on February 28, 2025, following an ex parte application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The commission stated that it traced the funds to a private bank account and sought their recovery.

The judge also directed the ICPC to publish a notice in two national newspapers, inviting any individual or entity with a claim to the funds to present their case in court before the money is permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The ICPC had filed its application on February 14, 2025, arguing that the Kaduna Light Rail Project never materialized, depriving residents of its intended benefits. The commission accused state officials of diverting the funds through the Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig Limited, a joint venture established in 2016 between the Kaduna State Government and Indian investors.

The case has been adjourned to April 8, 2025, to allow any interested parties to come forward and make their claims before the court.