UPDATE: ICPC takes former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody over the failed N11.1bn Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project
El-Rufai, who was initially arrested by DSS operatives shortly after his release from the EFCC, landed in ICPC custody over a pending trial before the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, regarding the failed N11.1bn Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project.
According to the ICPC, the money was collected by a JV partner during El-Rufai’s administration, but the project wasn’t executed, while also adding that part of the money (N1.373 billion) was diverted into a private account during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The anti-graft commission said that 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.
Following an application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) last year, the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, had temporarily ordered the forfeiture of N1,373,180,510.07, which was part of the cash for the failed Kaduna light rail project.
