The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a summon to Jimi Lawal, a Special Adviser to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, regarding his involvement in an allegedly fraudulent Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion.

Lawal, who has been implicated in criminal conspiracy and misappropriation of loans, was invited for questioning but failed to appear, prompting the ICPC to take further action.

In response to Lawal’s non-compliance, the ICPC has requested the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to place him on a watch-list at all airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent him from fleeing the country. A letter from the ICPC to the DSS and NIS highlighted the seriousness of the investigation, stating, “Credible information at the commission’s disposal suggests that the suspect, who is under investigation, is most likely to flee the country to evade being prosecuted.”

The ICPC’s investigation revealed that Lawal had received N144 million in his bank account from four private companies, raising concerns about loans obtained without due process. In addition to Lawal, twenty top officials and a company’s Managing Director have also been summoned for questioning over $350 million in loans that were meant for school rehabilitation and infrastructure projects in Kaduna State.

This probe is part of a broader investigation into the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In June, the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad-Hoc Committee alleged that N423 billion had been misappropriated from the state’s coffers between 2015 and 2023, and $1.4 million was withdrawn from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations, asserting that he was not given a fair hearing by the House of Assembly. The ongoing investigation by the ICPC continues to uncover more details regarding the misuse of funds and possible criminal conspiracy within the state’s previous administration.