The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a five-count charge against Jimi Lawal, a former senior aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, for alleged money laundering and corruption involving over N64.8 million.
The case, marked FCH/KD/16c/2025, was filed by Osuobeni Akponimishingha, ICPC’s assistant chief legal officer, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Lawal is set to be tried alongside Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company where he is the sole signatory.
According to the ICPC, Lawal, who served as a special adviser and later a counsellor at the Kaduna Economic Development Council between 2019 and 2023, funneled public funds into private accounts under the guise of legitimate transactions.
The commission stated that in 2018, Lawal “indirectly took control” of N10 million from the Kaduna State Accountant General’s Operational Account and transferred it into an account belonging to Solar Life Nigeria Limited via the Guaranty Trust Bank Automated System (GAPS).
Similarly, he allegedly redirected N47.8 million from the state’s Ministry of Finance and N7.3 million from the Kaduna State Internally Generated Revenue account in July and September 2018, respectively.
The funds were reportedly deposited into accounts managed by Lawal through Guaranty Trust Bank and United Bank for Africa.
The ICPC asserts that these transactions violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, specifically Section 18(2)(d), and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same law.
In another charge, Lawal allegedly provided false information to ICPC investigators in October 2024, claiming that the N64.8 million in question was used as “estacode” payments for certain individuals.
The commission says this explanation was a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators, contravening the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The ICPC has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting corruption cases to uphold accountability and transparency in public office.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
