Money Laundering Trial: Court Admits Witness Statement Against Ex-El-Rufai Aide Jimi Lawal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a procedural victory in the ongoing money laundering trial of Mr. Jimi Lawal, former Senior Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and three others. 

A Federal High Court in Kaduna, presided over by Justice R. M. Aikawa, has admitted into evidence the written statement of the third prosecution witness (PW3), Mr. Samuel Aruwan, after dismissing an objection from the defense.

Mr. Lawal is standing trial alongside the former Kaduna State Accountant-General, Mr. Umar Waziri, and the former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Yusuf Inuwa. Also joined in the suit is Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company whose account allegedly received the diverted funds and where Mr. Lawal is believed to be the sole signatory.

The ICPC accuses the defendants of conspiring to divert a total of ₦64,800,562.00 into the company's account through three separate tranches.

The prosecution has presented three high-profile former officials as witnesses: Mrs. Aisha Dikko Kalil (former Attorney-General), Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf (former Head of Service), and Mr. Samuel Aruwan (former Commissioner for Internal Security).

All three witnesses have so far denied receiving estacode from Mr. Lawal. Mr. Lawal had claimed the contentious ₦64.8 million was earmarked as estacodes for training embarked upon by these senior officials.

Mr. Aruwan, in his testimony, specifically clarified that his professional trainings were sponsored by the United States Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and not the Kaduna State Government. He also stated that he never received estacode allowances from either Mr. Lawal or the State Government.

The defense counsel objected to tendering Mr. Aruwan’s written statement, arguing that it was obtained during the pendency of the trial. Justice Aikawa, however, dismissed the objection, ruling that the PW3 was not an interested party in the matter. The statement was subsequently admitted into evidence and marked Exhibit 9.

The matter has been adjourned to November 3, 2025, for cross-examination of the witness and continuation of hearing. The ICPC continues to prosecute the case as part of its sustained effort to promote integrity and accountability in the management of public funds.