ICPC Charges Jimi Lawal and Co to Court For Money Laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed charges against Jimi Lawal, a former senior aide to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, for alleged money laundering and embezzlement. The charges, outlined in a five-count indictment, were submitted at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on January 15, 2025. The case, registered under charge number FCH/KD/16c/2025, is being prosecuted by ICPC Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Dr. Osuobeni Ekpi Akponimishingha.

Mr. Lawal, who served as a senior special adviser/counsellor during El-Rufai’s administration, is being prosecuted alongside Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly linked to him. The ICPC alleges multiple instances of financial impropriety involving significant sums of public funds:

1. Diversion of ₦10 million: In 2018, Lawal is alleged to have unlawfully taken control of ₦10 million from the Kaduna State Accountant-General Operational Account. The funds were reportedly transferred to the bank account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited, where Lawal is the sole signatory. The ICPC claims that these funds constitute proceeds of corruption, in violation of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act. 
2. Misappropriation of ₦47.84 million: In July 2018, Lawal is accused of misappropriating ₦47.84 million from the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance’s bank account. 
3. Diversion of ₦7.32 million: In September 2018, Lawal allegedly took ₦7.32 million from the Kaduna State Internally Generated Revenue account and transferred it to Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s account. 

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The ICPC asserts that Lawal knew these funds were proceeds of unlawful activity, thereby contravening the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. 

In addition to financial misconduct, Lawal faces charges of providing false information during an ICPC investigation in October 2024. He is accused of falsely claiming that ₦64.8 million—comprising three separate payments of ₦10 million, ₦47.84 million, and ₦7.32 million—had been disbursed as estacode payments to two individuals, Bariatu Yusuf Mohammed and Aisha Dikko. The ICPC contends that this false statement violates Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under Section 25(1)(b). 

This case highlights the ICPC’s resolve to tackle corruption and ensure accountability among public officials. By prosecuting high-profile cases, the commission reinforces its mission to curb financial impropriety in government institutions. 

The Federal High Court in Kaduna will deliberate on the charges in upcoming proceedings, providing further clarity on the allegations against Jimi Lawal and his co-defendants. The outcome of this trial will significantly influence public perception of the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

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