Rita Odafe
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has approved bail for Jimi Lawal, a former advisor to Nasir El-Rufai, and three other individuals facing allegations of misappropriating ₦64.8 million.
The accused include Umar Waziri, the former Accountant General of Kaduna State, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited, who were brought to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC claims that the defendants misappropriated government funds in three separate amounts: ₦10 million, ₦47.84 million, and ₦7.32 million.
The charges encompass conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and other associated offenses.
After hearing the bail application from the defense on Tuesday, the court set stringent bail conditions. Each defendant must present two sureties, each guaranteeing ₦50 million.
Those offering surety must possess properties in Kaduna with verified Certificates of Occupancy, as confirmed by the court.
Furthermore, the defendants are mandated to surrender all travel documents, including their international and green passports, to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The defendants’ attorney, Johnson Usman (SAN), expressed optimism about meeting the bail requirements quickly, stating,
“The four defendants have been brought to court, and we have requested bail, which has been granted. However, they will remain in custody until their bail terms are fully satisfied. We expect this will be done without delay, potentially by tomorrow.”
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26 and 27, 2025, to continue with the trial.
