The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed charges against Jimi Lawal, a former senior adviser to ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, for alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds.
Lawal is being charged alongside Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited. The five-count charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on January 15, 2025, accuses the defendants of financial misappropriation involving over N64 million.
According to the charge sheet, Lawal allegedly diverted N10 million in 2018 from the Kaduna State Accountant General’s Operational Account into the account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company for which he was the sole signatory.
The ICPC also claims that Lawal took N47.8 million from the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance and another N7.3 million from the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service. These funds were allegedly transferred into Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s account.
In a statement, the ICPC said, “Lawal ought to have known that the funds were part of proceeds of corruption. By doing so, he committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.”
The commission further accused Lawal of making false claims during investigations. He reportedly told investigators that the funds were used as estacodes for two individuals, Bariatu Yusuf Mohammed and Aisha Dikko, a statement the ICPC described as false.
The case, filed under charge number FCH/KD/16c/2025, was presented by the ICPC’s Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha. The ICPC stated that Lawal’s actions also violated provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
A legal expert, Emeka Uche, commented, “This case highlights the importance of accountability among public officers. It’s a test of our judicial system to ensure justice is served.”
A Kaduna resident, Halima Adamu, expressed concern, saying, “If these allegations are true, it’s heartbreaking that public funds meant for development were misused.”
Lawal and his co-defendants are expected to appear in court soon. The ICPC has urged citizens to report acts of corruption to ensure public funds are used responsibly.
