Ex-El-Rufai aide regains freedom after meeting bail conditions

Jimi Lawal, former Special Adviser to ex-Kaduna State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from prison after fulfilling the stringent bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Lawal was arraigned alongside former Kaduna State Accountant-General Umar Waziri and ex-Finance Commissioner Yusuf Inuwa on charges of diverting ₦68 million in state funds. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also listed Solar Life Nigeria Limited—the company allegedly used for laundering the funds—as a defendant in the case.

According to the ICPC, Lawal orchestrated three separate transfers totaling ₦64.8 million into the bank account of Solar Life Nigeria Limited, a company where he is reportedly the sole signatory.

Bail Drama and Delayed Release

On January 21, 2025, the court granted bail to the defendants with strict conditions, including:

Providing two sureties with ₦50 million each in like sum.

Sureties must own landed property in Kaduna with verifiable Certificates of Occupancy.

Defendants must surrender their international, national, and official passports to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Although the presiding judge, Justice Aikawa, authorized another judge to sign the release order before embarking on an official trip, the designated judge allegedly refused to do so, causing unexpected delays despite the defendants meeting their bail conditions.

Justice Aikawa returned on Thursday and personally signed Lawal’s release order, allowing him to regain his freedom.