El-Rufai fires Kaduna Road agency MD, Magaji over alledged embezzlement of N3 billion

In what appears as the biggest corruption in Kaduna State since the administration of Malam Nasir El-Rufai as governor, the Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Engr. Mohammed Lawal Magaji has been fired.

CAPITAL POST learnt late Friday that the Managing Director alledgedly embezzled and diverted funds meant for roads construcrion to the tune of N3 billion.

First it started with an unidentified whistle blower who claimed that Engr. Magaji was running the agency in a ‘family like manner’, thereby denied genuine contractors from doing businesses with the agency.

There was also allegation that the sum of N2 billion was found in an undisclosed Bank account of the Managing Director’s biological son.

According to what was narrated to CAPITAL POST upon enquiring reasons for his sack, it noted that KADRA eventually became ‘family and friends’ agency, while impunity reigned supreme.

The dismissal of the Managing Director was seen as further evidence of the administration of Malam Nasiru Elrufai’s weakening resolve in tackling widespread corruption, a problem that has plagued the country since independence.

Engr Mohammed Magaji operated a proxy account with different Banks through which he allegedly siphoned public funds.

Another source working in the agency explained that the erstwhile MD operates proxy accounts, which a particular group in Kaduna was tipped on the development and they wrote a petition to
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) calling for the investigation of Engr. Mohammed Lawal Magaji for diverting funds meant for the agency.

“The group also told the anti-graft agency to investigate unlawful cash withdrawal by the MD with documentary evidence in Banks.

The source also hinted that the concerned group provided the evidence to the anti-graft agency on a diversion of N700 million and another N500 million in October, 2020, adding that the financial corruption was perpetuated between 2019 and 2020 in KADRA.

“The group highlighted some of the corruption going on at the KADRA“unlawful and illegal release and diversion of non-appropriated sum of N500m, which was withdrawn in cash by the MD Engr. Magaji.

“The unlawful and illegal withdrawal of N350m and diversion of same in June 2020 the group stated.“Unlawful cash withdrawal of over N200m”.

“Unlawful cash withdrawal, and direct breach of public trust by the MD of the agency, the group alleged.

“Engr. Magaji perceived lack of integrity which has damaged the image of the agency.

“Governor Elrufai removed the Managing Director, considering that his integrity deficit has rubbed off negatively on the credibility and operational effectiveness of the KADRA.”

Meanwhile, the embattled Managi Director did not respond to phone calls in an attempt to hear from him.