EFCC, ICPC speak over Kaduna Assembly’s findings on El-Rufai

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), have clarified that they have not received any official communication or petition from the Kaduna State House of Assembly regarding the alleged N423 billion money laundering scandal involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had constituted a 13-member investigative committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma, to probe allegations of widespread financial mismanagement and misappropriation of state funds during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The committee was mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of all financial transactions, loans and contracts entered into by the previous administration.

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.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, in an interview, clarified that the commission has not received any formal petition or report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

However, he assured that the ICPC stands ready to investigate and take appropriate action if and when such a petition is submitted.

Sources within the EFCC, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the commission has not received any formal petition.

However, they indicated that the EFCC would promptly investigate and take necessary action if a petition is submitted.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain an official statement from EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful.