Hold on to your hats, folks! A juicy financial scandal is brewing in Kaduna State, and it’s got all the makings of a blockbuster. Three former top dogs under ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai are facing the music over a massive N64 million fraud case. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of alleged money laundering, hidden bank accounts, and high-stakes legal battles. Here’s the lowdown:
- The Accused: Three former high-ranking officials from El-Rufai’s administration.
- The Crime: Allegedly diverting a cool N64 million into a private company account.
- The Court Date: They are expected to face the judge on Friday.
- The Plot Thickens: This isn’t the only corruption case involving El-Rufai’s ex-appointees.
The N64 Million Question: Who, What, and How?
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is not playing games. They’re dragging three former El-Rufai appointees to court, accusing them of siphoning a whopping N64,800,562 (that’s sixty-four million, eight hundred thousand, five hundred and sixty-two Naira, to be precise!). The accused include:
- Mr. Lawal Shakiru Olajimi Adebisi: The former Senior Special Adviser/Counsellor to El-Rufai.
- Mr. Umar Waziri: The former Accountant General of Kaduna State.
- Mr. Yusuf Inuwa: The former Finance Commissioner in the state.
These guys are accused of working together to funnel the funds into the bank account of a company called Solar Life Nigeria Limited. Guess who’s believed to be the sole signatory of that account? None other than Mr. Lawal himself!
The Money Trail: Three Big Chunks of Cash
The ICPC alleges the money was diverted in three hefty tranches:
- N10,000,000
- N47,840,000
- N7,320,562
These funds allegedly landed in the account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited, making the company a key part of the investigation. The charges are filed at the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division, and the accused are expected to appear on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Not the First Time: More El-Rufai Ex-Aides Under Scrutiny
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just last week, the ICPC arraigned another former El-Rufai bigwig, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu, who served as both Chief of Staff and Finance Commissioner. He’s accused of accepting a N155 million cash payment from a public officer. It seems the ICPC has its hands full with former El-Rufai appointees.
What This Means for Kaduna and Beyond
These cases are not just about the money involved. They raise serious questions about accountability and the management of public funds in Nigeria. The drama unfolding in Kaduna State is a stark reminder of the need for transparency in government. We’ll be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds, with updates as they develop.
It’s important to note that according to the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), money laundering is a serious offense and can carry significant penalties including jail time.
This news comes amid a series of investigations into government corruption across Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing battle against financial mismanagement in the country.
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