By Uzair Adam
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the trial of Mr. Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alongside three others, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The trial began on Monday, July 21, 2025, before Justice R.M. Aikawa, with the defendants facing charges bordering on fraudulent estacode payments and abuse of public office during their tenure in government service.
At the opening of the proceedings, the prosecution presented three witnesses—Mrs. Aisha Dikko Kalil, Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, and Mr. Samuel Aruwan—all former senior officials in the Kaduna State Government.
While giving her testimony, Mrs. Kalil, who served as Attorney-General of Kaduna State from 2019 to 2023, told the court that tuition fees for all foreign training she attended were paid directly by the state government to the respective institutions.
She added that estacode allowances were, however, paid into her personal Guaranty Trust Bank account.She confirmed receiving over N5 million in estacode payments but clarified that none of the funds came from the first defendant, Mr. Lawal.
She also stated that the total tuition fees for the training programs amounted to \$9,100.
The court admitted various documents in evidence, including her bank statements, official approvals for foreign training, and training certificates.