Kaduna, June 5, 2024 – The Kaduna State House of Assembly has requested the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to probe a former Governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, for allegedly misappropriating N423 billion.
This recommendation was part of the report of an ad-hoc committee set up by the Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under former governor El-Rufai.
Henry Zacharia, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee, said most of the loans obtained under the El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained, while in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans.
The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and some other indicted members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for abuse of office through the award of contracts without due process, diversion of public funds and money laundering as well as plaguing Kaduna State into heavy debt.
It also recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under El-Rufai’s administration, as well as the chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board.
The committee also recommended thorough investigation of some key appointees of the last administration by appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies
Yusuf Liman, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, while receiving the report, commended the committed for doing a good job. (GBN)
