ICPC begins trial of ex-El-Rufai aide, Jimi Lawal, over alleged fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have started the prosecution of Mr. Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i.

He is being tried alongside three others over alleged fraudulent estacode payments and abuse of public office.

The case, which commenced on Monday, is being heard by Honourable Justice R.M. Aikawa at the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

The ICPC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said the case forms part of its broader commitment to promote accountability and integrity in the use of public resources.

According to the ICPC, the charges relate to financial misconduct during the defendants’ tenure in public service.

The Commission presented three witnesses: Mrs. Aisha Dikko Kalil, Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, and Mr. Samuel Aruwan—all of whom previously held top positions in the Kaduna State Government.

While testifying, Mrs. Kalil, who served as the state’s Attorney-General from 2019 to 2023, explained that her tuition fees for foreign training were paid directly by the government to the academic institutions involved.

However, she stated, “Estacode allowances were paid into my personal Guaranty Trust Bank account.”

She admitted to receiving over ₦5m in estacode payments and emphasized, “I never received any such payment from the 1st Defendant, Mr. Jimi Lawal.”

She also disclosed that the total tuition fee covered by the government amounted to $9,100.

Her testimony was backed by documents including account statements, course approvals, and training certificates, which were all admitted as evidence.

Similarly, Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, a former Head of Service in Kaduna, corroborated the testimony.