El-Rufai’s Former Adviser Jimi Lawal Regains Freedom Amid Fraud Allegations

El-Rufai’s Former Adviser Jimi Lawal Regains Freedom Amid Fraud Allegations

Former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal, has been released from prison after successfully meeting his bail conditions. Lawal, along with Umar Waziri (former Kaduna State Accountant-General) and Yusuf Inuwa (ex-Finance Commissioner), faced charges of diverting ₦68 million from the state’s coffers.…..READ MORE 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the trio, alongside Solar Life Nigeria Limited—the company allegedly used to launder the funds—before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The ICPC accused Lawal of transferring ₦64.8 million in three tranches (₦10 million, ₦47.8 million, and ₦7.3 million) into Solar Life’s bank account, for which he is reportedly the sole signatory.

On January 21, 2025, the court granted bail with stringent conditions:

• Two sureties, each providing ₦50 million
• Sureties must own verified landed property in Kaduna
• Defendants were required to surrender all passports

Presiding Justice Aikawa authorized another judge to sign the release order before leaving on an official trip. However, despite fulfilling all conditions, the release was delayed due to the designated judge’s refusal to sign. Upon his return on Thursday, Justice Aikawa personally signed Lawal’s release, securing his freedom.