Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have apprehended Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, the former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General under Nasir el-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State.
Bada was reportedly arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos while attempting to travel abroad.
The arrest comes amid growing suspicions that Bada might be fleeing the country due to ongoing corruption investigations linked to both herself and former Governor el-Rufai.
ICPC officials had reportedly been tracking her movements after receiving intelligence that she might attempt to evade questioning.
This move is part of a broader investigation targeting several high-ranking officials from el-Rufai’s administration.
According to Saharareporters, sources suggest the scrutiny is centered on alleged financial mismanagement during their time in office, with multiple individuals under investigation for their roles.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted el-Rufai for allegedly embezzling ₦423 billion from the state treasury.
Though the exact charges against Bada have not yet been disclosed, insiders believe they involve significant financial irregularities and misappropriation of public funds.
Bada’s arrest has sparked widespread speculation, with many questioning whether this marks the start of a larger investigation into the former governor’s administration.
The ICPC is expected to release further details as the investigation progresses, potentially revealing the extent of corruption within the previous leadership.
Former Governor el-Rufai, meanwhile, has launched a legal challenge against the Kaduna State House of Assembly after it accused his administration of mismanaging ₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure.
His attorney, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, filed a fundamental rights lawsuit in June, seeking to contest the claims made against him.
