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 State.

Lawal was a senior adviser and counsellor at 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 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 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).”

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 said that he had an invitation letter dated 1st August 2024 for him to appear at the 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, of his own volition, called the official to ask for a new date since the protest was over. The official said he would check their schedule and get back to him.”