The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought a five-count charge against Jimi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State. Lawal faces allegations of corruption and money laundering.
NBA National Litigation Committee Advocates for Lawyers’ Rights During Visit to ICPC Chairman
The charges, filed on January 15, 2025, under charge number FCH/KD/16c/2025 at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, implicate Lawal alongside Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited—a company for which Lawal allegedly served as the sole account signatory.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The ICPC accuses Lawal of unlawfully embezzling public funds during his tenure in 2018. According to the commission, Lawal:
- Transferred ₦10,000,000 from the Kaduna State Accountant General Operational Account via the Guaranty Trust Bank Automated System (GAPS) to Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s account.
- Diverted ₦47,840,000 from the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance.
- Moved ₦7,320,562 from the Kaduna State Internally Generated Revenue Account, also into Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s account.
The commission claims Lawal knowingly engaged in these actions, breaching Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, an offense punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
False Statements to Investigators
The ICPC further alleges that during an October 2024 investigation, Lawal provided false information regarding the use of N64,800,562 received from the Kaduna State Government. He claimed the funds were estacode payments for two individuals, Bariatu Yusuf Mohammed and Aisha Dikko.
ICPC Arraigns Former House of Representatives Member John Dyegh
This misrepresentation, according to the ICPC, contravenes Section 25(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The case highlights the ongoing commitment of anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable for financial misconduct. As proceedings unfold, the public anticipates transparency and justice.