Jimi Lawal, Three Others Face Prosecution for Alleged Corruption
By Chizoba Njaka
The Federal High Court in Kaduna commenced the trial of Mr. Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal and three others last week, presided over by Justice R.M. Aikawa, in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC, in a statement released by its Director of Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, disclosed that the case revolves around allegations of fraudulent estacode payments and abuse of public office by the defendants while in government service. Mr. Lawal's prior role as an aide to former Kaduna State Governor Mr. Nasir El-Rufai was also highlighted.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented three witnesses: Mrs. Aisha Dikko Kalil, former Attorney-General of Kaduna State; Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, former Head of Service; and Mr. Samuel Aruwan, former Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs. These witnesses, all former senior officials of the Kaduna State Government, provided testimony in support of the prosecution's case.
Mrs. Kalil, who served as Attorney-General from 2019 to 2023, testified that the state government directly paid her tuition fees for foreign training to the respective institutions. However, she confirmed receiving over ₦5 million in estacode allowances, which were paid into her personal bank account. She clarified that she did not receive any payments from the 1st defendant, Mr. Jimi Lawal. Supporting documents, including her account statement, approvals for foreign training, and certificates, were tendered as evidence.
Similarly, Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, the former Head of Service, corroborated the process of foreign training sponsorship, stating that course fees and flight tickets were funded by the Ministry of Finance, while estacode payments were sent to her personal account. She acknowledged receiving nearly ₦15 million in estacodes and confirmed that she did not receive any funds from Mr. Lawal.
The third witness, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, testified that his training programmes were funded by the United States government and the Office of the National Security Adviser, rather than the Kaduna State Government. He stated that he did not receive estacode allowances from Mr. Lawal or the state government.
Following the testimony of the witnesses, the ICPC prosecutor, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akpos, sought to tender Mr. Aruwan's written statement to the ICPC as evidence. However, the defense counsel objected, citing procedural concerns. After arguments on the admissibility of the statement, the court adjourned the matter to September 24, 2025, for ruling and continuation of the hearing.
"The ICPC is prosecuting the case as part of its ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds".