BREAKING: Kuduna panel summits report, recommends investigation of El-Rufai over money laundering, abuse of office

The ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to review all finances, loans, and contracts granted under former governor Nasir El-Rufai has submitted its findings to the House.

The chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia, presented the report during plenary on Wednesday, stating that the majority of the loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained, and that in some cases, due process was not followed in obtaining the loans.

Receiving the report, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, said that a total N423 billion was siphoned by the El-Rufai’s administration while leaving the state with huge liabilities.

The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai, 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.

The committee also recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under the El-Rufai’s administration, as well the chairman of the state universal basic education board.

It also recommended thorough investigation of some key appointees of the last administration by appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.

The committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly was tasked with the assignment of examining loans, grants and projects implementation from 2015 to 2023 during which El-Rufai served as governor of the state.