Laraba MUREY
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has said it will arraign three former appointees of ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for alleged involvement in a N64 million fraud.
The accused are Lawal Shakiru Olajimi Adebisi, a former Senior Special Adviser to El-Rufai, Umar Waziri, ex-Accountant General of Kaduna State and Yusuf Inuwa, former Commissioner of Finance.
Also charged is Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly used to divert the funds.
According to ICPC, the defendants allegedly connive to siphon N64,800,562 in three tranches: N10 million, N47,840,000, and N7,320,562. The funds were reportedly transferred to the bank account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited, where Mr. Adebisi is the sole signatory.
In a statement released on Thursday, ICPC confirmed that the arraignment would take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions. The funds in question were diverted for personal gain, and we are determined to ensure justice is served,” said Demola Bakare, the ICPC spokesperson.
The commission also recalled the recent arraignment of Muhammad Sa’idu, a former Chief of Staff and Finance Commissioner in Kaduna, on separate charges of money laundering involving N155 million.
“All Nigerians should take note of these efforts to combat corruption and misuse of public funds,” Bakare added.
The case highlights the ICPC’s continued drive to address financial misconduct by public officials. The defendants are expected to take their pleas during the court session.
