By Milcah Tanimu
Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been placed on a watch-list by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) amid allegations of involvement in a massive N11 billion fraud.
Lawal is under investigation for suspected fraudulent activities related to a government project worth N11 billion. The DSS and NIS have been instructed to monitor his movements and activities closely as the investigation unfolds.
The inquiry into Lawal’s conduct has intensified following his failure to attend a scheduled questioning session. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has requested the DSS and NIS to ensure his presence at airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent him from potentially fleeing the country.
The ICPC’s notification to the DSS and NIS details Lawal’s background, including his fluency in Yoruba and English, and warns of his potential flight risk. The letter urges immediate arrest if Lawal is spotted at any international exit points.
The ICPC is scrutinizing Lawal for criminal conspiracy and allegations related to loans secured without proper authorization. Investigations have revealed N144 million in his bank account linked to four private companies. Additionally, twenty high-ranking officials and a Managing Director have been summoned for questioning regarding $350 million loans intended for school rehabilitation and infrastructure projects.
This probe is part of a broader investigation into El-Rufai’s administration. In June, the Kaduna House of Assembly’s ad-hoc committee alleged that N423 billion was misappropriated from state funds between 2015 and 2023, including a $1.4 million withdrawal from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account. El-Rufai has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that he was not afforded a fair hearing by the Assembly.
