The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will arraign three former appointees of the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, over alleged involvement in a N64 million money laundering case. The arraignment is set to take place today, Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Individuals and Firm Involved
The accused include:
- Lawal Adebisi, ex-Senior Special Adviser/Counselor to the governor
- Umar Waziri, former Accountant General of Kaduna State
- Yusuf Inuwa, former Finance Commissioner of Kaduna State
They will be arraigned alongside a firm, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, into whose bank account the diverted funds were allegedly deposited.
Allegations by the ICPC
The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, disclosed that the three former officials conspired to divert N64,800,562 into the account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited. Lawal Adebisi, alleged to be the sole signatory of the account, reportedly orchestrated the diversion in three separate tranches:
- N10,000,000
- N47,840,000
- N7,320,562
“The four accused persons are expected to appear in court on Friday, 17th January 2025, to take their plea,” Bakare said.
Related Cases
This arraignment follows another recent legal move by the ICPC against a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance under El-Rufai’s administration, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu. Sa’idu is facing charges of money laundering involving N155 million, allegedly paid to a public officer, Ibrahim Muktar, in the state’s Ministry of Finance.
Allegations Against El-Rufai’s Administration
The Kaduna State House of Assembly last year accused El-Rufai’s administration of mismanaging N423 billion during his tenure. The former governor, however, denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
ICPC’s Commitment to Accountability
The arraignment of these officials underscores the ICPC’s commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in public office. If convicted, the accused individuals could face significant penalties under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.
Public Reactions
The cases have sparked discussions among citizens about the extent of corruption during El-Rufai’s administration and the broader implications for governance and public trust in Kaduna State.
The outcome of these legal proceedings will be closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s resolve to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.
