The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is seeking the temporary forfeiture of N1.373 billion Kaduna State fund allegedly hidden in a Sterling Bank account. However, members of the former Kaduna State Executive Council (2015 to 2023) have denied any wrongdoing, stating that the project and payments were duly approved by the Kaduna State Executive Council and the Governor.

According to the ICPC, the fund was diverted from the Kaduna Light Rail Project’s budget into the account of a private company, Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nig. Ltd. The commission claimed that the company was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at the time the account was opened. However, the former officials argued that opening an account in the name of a company pre-incorporation is not a crime under Nigerian laws.

The former officials alleged that the Kaduna State Government is using the ICPC to harass Sterling Bank and make it appear as though they did something wrong. They claimed that the ICPC forced Sterling Bank to produce and deposit the money with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and now Sterling Bank is trying to force Skipper to pay them the money despite the company having rendered services to the Kaduna State Government.

“We challenge the purveyors of lies and falsehood to come forward with genuine documents to contradict any of the foregoing facts and we will respond accordingly,” the former officials said in a statement. They maintained that there was no iota of wrongdoing in the Kaduna Light Rail Project, which was as transparent as it was legitimate and lawful.