ICPC detains El-Rufai
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The former governor was first arrested by the Department of State Services
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
The former governor was first arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), before being handed over to the ICPC.
El-Rufai is facing a pending trial before the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, over the failed N1.3 billion Joint Venture Kaduna Light Rail project.
Investigations revealed that the funds were released to a joint venture partner during el-Rufai’s administration, but the project was allegedly never executed.
A midnight statement by ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, confirmed that el-Rufai “is currently in the custody of the commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”
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Genesis of el-Rufai’s latest ICPC ordeal
Following an application by the ICPC, the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1,373,180,510.07, being part of the funds earmarked for the abandoned light rail project.
The money was recovered from the account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited.
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The ICPC alleged that the funds, released by the Kaduna State Government for the rail project, were diverted into a private account and never utilised for the intended purpose.
The commission subsequently approached Justice H. Buhari for an interim forfeiture order, seeking to secure the recovered sum pending the conclusion of investigations.
In granting the application, the court ordered the ICPC to publish notices in two national newspapers inviting any interested parties to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
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The ICPC said it intended that the forfeited funds, currently domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), be returned to the Kaduna State Government for the benefit of the people.
Details from ICPC affidavit
In an affidavit sworn to by a litigation officer, Idris Abubakar, the ICPC stated that it received a petition against officials of the Kaduna State Government who served under el-Rufai’s administration.
According to the affidavit, investigations showed that the Kaduna State Government entered into a joint venture agreement on October 18, 2016, for the construction of a light rail system.
The joint venture partner, Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited, opened a bank account with Sterling Bank on December 15, 2016, before it was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
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The ICPC said el-Rufai approved the release of N11.099 billion into the company’s account in multiple tranches between December 2016 and January 2017.
The affidavit stated that an initial N890.3 million was paid from the Kaduna State Single Treasury Account on December 23, 2016; N2.3 billion was transferred on January 10, 2017; Further payments of N3 billion and N4.909 billion followed on January 17, 2017.
The commission alleged that the entire sum of N11.099 billion was dissipated before the company was formally incorporated on May 10, 2017.
According to ICPC findings, no light rail project was executed despite the release of the funds.
