El-Rufai’s Former Aide, Jimi Lawal Released From Prison

Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from prison after fulfilling his bail requirements.

Jimi Lawal was arranged alongside Kaduna’s former Accountant-General, Umar Waziri, and ex-Finance Commissioner, Yusuf Inuwa, for allegedly diverting ₦68 million in state funds.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the trio, along with “Solar Life Nigeria Limited”, the company accused of laundering the money, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

According to the ICPC, Lawal allegedly arranged the transfer of ₦64.8 million in three separate payments—₦10 million, ₦47.8 million, and ₦7.3 million—into Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s bank account, a company where he is reportedly the sole signatory.

On January 21, 2025, the court granted bail to all three defendants under strict conditions, requiring each to provide two sureties with a ₦50 million guarantee.

The defendants were also ordered to ensure the sureties own verifiable landed property in Kaduna with proper Certificates of Occupancy, and surrender their international, national, and official passports to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Justice Aikawa, who presided over the case, assigned another judge to sign the release order before leaving on an official trip.

However, despite the accused fulfilling all bail conditions, the designated judge allegedly refused to sign off on their release, causing further delays.

After returning on Thursday, Justice Aikawa personally approved Lawal’s release order, allowing him to regain his freedom.

KanyiDaily had reported how the ICPC charged Jimi Lawal with five counts of unlawfully diverting public funds and money laundering.