By Atoyebi Nike
The trial of Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alongside three others, began on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The case, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involves allegations of fraudulent estacode payments and abuse of public office.
Three former senior Kaduna State officials Aisha Dikko Kalil, Bariyatu Yusuf, and Samuel Aruwan—testified for the prosecution. Kalil, the state’s Attorney-General from 2019 to 2023, told the court that tuition for her foreign training was paid by the state, while estacode funds over ₦5 million were deposited directly into her personal bank account. She clarified that she received no payments from Lawal.
Similarly, former Head of Service Bariyatu Yusuf said her course fees and flight costs were covered by the Ministry of Finance, and she received nearly ₦15 million in estacode allowances. She also stated she never received funds from the defendant.
Samuel Aruwan, former Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, testified that his trainings were funded by the U.S. government and the Office of the National Security Adviser. He denied receiving estacode payments from Lawal or the state government.
ICPC prosecutor Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akpos attempted to tender Aruwan’s written statement, but the defense objected, citing procedural grounds. The case was adjourned to September 24, 2025, for ruling and continuation of hearing.
