By Karen James
Lagos, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events, Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, the former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General under Nasir el-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State, was apprehended by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Sunday. Bada was detained at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos while attempting to board an international flight, amid growing suspicions that she was trying to flee the country to avoid questioning in an ongoing corruption investigation.
ICPC officials had reportedly been monitoring Bada’s movements closely after receiving intelligence that she might be planning to evade justice. Sources indicate that her arrest is part of a broader, sweeping investigation into alleged financial mismanagement involving high-ranking officials from el-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
While the specific charges against Bada remain undisclosed, insiders suggest that the case involves significant financial irregularities and the potential misappropriation of public funds during her time in office. The arrest has fueled widespread speculation that this may be the beginning of a deeper investigation into the former governor’s administration, which is already under intense scrutiny.
Former Governor Nasir el-Rufai himself has come under fire after the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused his administration of embezzling ₦423 billion from state coffers during his eight-year term. El-Rufai has categorically denied the allegations, even launching a legal challenge against the Assembly. In June, his attorney, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, filed a fundamental rights lawsuit aimed at contesting the claims.
Bada’s arrest adds yet another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga, as more former officials from the el-Rufai era may soon face similar investigations. ICPC sources have hinted that several individuals are already under investigation for their roles in financial mismanagement during the administration, though official statements are yet to be made.
As the ICPC continues its investigation, all eyes will be on the agency’s next move, with many expecting more revelations that could shed light on the full extent of corruption allegations tied to one of Kaduna State’s most prominent political figures.
