DSS, Immigration Place Ex-Kaduna Governor’s Aide on Watch-List for Alleged N11bn Fraud

Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, is embroiled in a staggering N11 billion project scandal, prompting a high-stakes investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Lawal, now a fugitive, has been placed on a watch-list at all airports, seaports, and land borders, as authorities close in on him.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a web of deceit, with Lawal’s bank account revealing a suspicious N144 million from four private companies. Twenty top officials and a Managing Director are also in the crosshairs, facing questioning over $350 million loans meant for critical school rehabilitation and infrastructure projects.

As the ICPC probe intensifies, it has emerged that Lawal’s alleged criminal conspiracy and dubious loans are just the tip of the iceberg. The Kaduna House of Assembly’s ad-Hoc Committee has exposed a mind-boggling N423 billion siphoned from state coffers between 2015 and 2023, with $1.4 million withdrawn from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account.

El-Rufai, the former Governor, has vehemently denied all allegations, claiming he was denied a fair hearing by the House of Assembly. However, the evidence mounts, and Lawal’s desperate evasion of authorities only adds fuel to the fire.