ICPC uncovers 1.37 billion allegedly diverted by El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) has uncovered N1.37 billion allegedly diverted from the money Kaduna State Government released for the now-abandoned light rail project in the state.

ICPC said the money was diverted into a private account during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who governed the state between 2015 and 2023.

The anti-corruption agency detailed the discovery in an application filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the forfeiture of the funds.

“The diversion of these funds has deprived Kaduna State residents of the much-needed rail transportation system,” an affidavit filed in support of the forfeiture application stated.

The alleged fraud was allegedly perpetrated under the pretext of a “purported joint venture agreement,” which the Governor El-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government signed with Indo Kaduna Mrts JV Nigeria Limited in October 2016.

Before Mrts JV Nigeria was incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), ICPC said, Mr El-Rufai began approving payments to the entity in December 2016.

In the end, between December 2016 and January 2017, the then-governor approved the payment of N11.1 billion to the entity, which was not formally incorporated by the CAC until 10 May 2017.

From the N11.1 billion paid to Mrts JV Nigeria’s account domiciled with Sterling Bank, N1.373 billion was allegedly diverted into a private account tracked down by ICPC.