El-Rufai Sues Kaduna Assembly Over ₦432 Billion Misappropriation Claims

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a lawsuit against the Kaduna State House of Assembly over allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds during his tenure. The legal action comes after the Assembly’s ad-hoc committee, tasked with investigating finances, loans, and contracts awarded under El-Rufai’s administration, submitted its findings to the House.

The committee accused El-Rufai’s administration of misappropriating ₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure, leading to significant debt liabilities for the state. The committee recommended that El-Rufai and certain cabinet members be investigated and prosecuted by security and anti-corruption agencies for alleged abuses, including diversion of public funds and money laundering.

El-Rufai’s lawsuit challenges the findings of the committee, alleging defamation of character and seeking a declaration that the report is null and void. The former governor’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, has dismissed the allegations as “scandalous” and affirmed the integrity of El-Rufai’s government.

The lawsuit is the latest development in a probe launched by the Kaduna Assembly into the finances of El-Rufai’s administration. The Assembly’s committee has recommended that El-Rufai and some members of his cabinet be investigated and prosecuted for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.

The case has drawn attention to the issue of corruption in Nigeria’s political system and the need for accountability and transparency in governance. The outcome of the lawsuit and the subsequent investigations will be closely watched by the public and could have significant implications for the political landscape in Kaduna State and beyond.