The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have stated that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has yet to report its findings on the alleged ₦423 billion money laundering case involving former Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
In April, the Assembly formed a 13-member panel led by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma to investigate claims of financial mismanagement during el-Rufai’s administration. The panel was tasked with examining all financial transactions, loans, and contracts approved under el-Rufai.
This probe followed complaints from the current governor, Uba Sani, who expressed concerns over the substantial debt inherited from el-Rufai’s tenure. Sani detailed the financial burden during a town hall meeting, highlighting debts of $587 million, ₦85 billion, and significant contractual liabilities.
During a plenary session, Danjuma reported that many loans taken during el-Rufai’s time in office were misappropriated, with procedural breaches in their procurement. The Assembly concluded that ₦423 billion was mismanaged, urging Governor Sani to refer el-Rufai and his officials to security agencies for further investigation.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, refuted the allegations, claiming the Assembly’s report was baseless and scandalous. He asserted that the el-Rufai administration maintained its integrity and would respond once a copy of the report was reviewed.
ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed that no formal report had been received from the Assembly. He stated that the commission would act upon receiving the report, investigating the allegations thoroughly. Similarly, EFCC sources indicated that no petition had been submitted yet, emphasizing that they would initiate an investigation upon receipt.
The Assembly’s report, which included testimonies from former state officials, detailed irregularities in the handling of a $350 million World Bank loan and other financial transactions. Former Accountant General Shizzer Nasada and ex-Finance Commissioner Bashir Saidu provided insights into the loan’s mismanagement, including unauthorized allocations and procedural lapses.
The Assembly’s recommendations are pending action from the current administration, with both the EFCC and ICPC poised to investigate upon formal submission of the report.
