The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General under Nasir el-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State. Bada was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Sunday while attempting to leave the country.
Her arrest comes amid growing suspicions of an attempt to flee due to ongoing investigations into corruption allegations involving both her and former Governor el-Rufai. ICPC operatives had been monitoring her movements following intelligence reports.
This arrest is part of a wider investigation targeting top officials from el-Rufai’s administration. Reports suggest the probe focuses on financial mismanagement, with several individuals under scrutiny for their roles during the former governor’s tenure.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted former Governor el-Rufai, accusing him of embezzling ₦423 billion. Though specific charges against Bada remain undisclosed, sources believe they relate to significant financial irregularities and misuse of public funds.
Bada’s arrest has fueled speculation about a possible broader investigation into el-Rufai’s administration. The ICPC is expected to provide more details as the inquiry unfolds, potentially exposing the extent of corruption under the previous leadership.
In response, former Governor el-Rufai has launched a legal challenge against the Kaduna State House of Assembly, contesting claims of ₦432 billion mismanagement during his eight years in office. His attorney, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, filed a fundamental rights lawsuit in June to refute the accusations.
