ICPC’s estacode fraud trial opens against Olajimi Lawal as ex-Kaduna officials testify on foreign training allowances and state-funded travel under El-Rufai

ICPC’s estacode fraud trial against Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal and three co-defendants began on Monday, July 21, 2025, before Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought the case, accusing the former aide to ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai of facilitating improper estacode payments and misusing public office.

Three witnesses — Aisha Dikko Kalil, Bariyatu Yusuf, and Samuel Aruwan — who served as senior officials under El-Rufai, gave evidence supporting the prosecution.

Kalil, who was Attorney-General from 2019 to 2023, said the Kaduna State Government paid her tuition directly for foreign training, but estacode allowances were transferred into her personal bank account.

She confirmed receiving over ₦5 million but denied ever collecting money from Lawal.

She confirmed receiving over ₦5 million but denied ever collecting money from Lawal.

Yusuf, the former Head of Service, testified similarly.

She received almost ₦15 million in estacodes, also into her personal account, and said she never received funds from the defendant.

Aruwan, who later became Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, said his overseas training was funded entirely by external institutions, including the United States government.

He denied receiving estacode allowances from either Lawal or the Kaduna government.

ICPC counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akpos attempted to submit Aruwan’s written statement to the court. The defence objected, arguing the statement was obtained during the trial period.