Admin.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have stated that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has not yet formally reported the alleged N423 billion money laundering said to have occurred under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration.
In April, the Kaduna Assembly established a 13-member committee, led by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma, to investigate allegations of significant misappropriation of state funds during El-Rufai’s tenure. This committee was tasked with examining all financial activities, loans, and contracts awarded by the former governor.
The probe followed remarks by the current governor, Uba Sani, who, during a town hall meeting, expressed concern over the substantial debt left by El-Rufai’s administration.
Sani detailed the inherited financial burden, citing a debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual obligations.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Danjuma highlighted that many loans acquired under El-Rufai were misused and that proper procedures were often ignored.
Speaker Yusuf Liman received the report, noting that the El-Rufai administration allegedly siphoned N423 billion, leaving the state with significant financial liabilities.
A report excerpt stated that El-Rufai, as the state’s Chief Executive Officer from May 2015 to May 2023, violated his oath of office by incurring unjustified debts without following due process.
The Assembly urged Governor Sani to refer El-Rufai and his associates to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Responding swiftly, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, dismissed the report as baseless and scandalous, asserting the former administration’s integrity and promising a robust response upon receiving the report.
In an interview, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed that the commission had not received any petition from the Assembly but would investigate if such a report is submitted.
Similarly, anonymous EFCC sources revealed that the commission had also not received any petition but would act accordingly if one were presented.
Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments were unsuccessful.
(PUNCH)
