By Milcah Tanimu
Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser and senior counselor to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has responded to claims about evading an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Lawal clarified that he did not intentionally avoid appearing before the ICPC.
In a statement issued by Austin Oniyokor from his media office, Lawal explained that he received the ICPC’s letter of invitation only at midnight on Monday, instructing him to report on Wednesday. He emphasized that he had no control over contract approvals, including the N11 billion light rail project under investigation.
The statement further addressed reports suggesting that Lawal was watch-listed due to his failure to honor the ICPC’s invitation. It detailed that on August 1, 2024, Lawal missed a call from an unknown number, and when he returned the call, he was informed by an ICPC official about the invitation. The timing of this event coincided with the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Lawal’s media office asserted that the allegations against him are unfounded and emphasized his commitment to cooperating with the investigation.
