An ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna House of Assembly has recommended that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai be investigated for gross financial misconduct amounting to N423 billion during his tenure.

In its report, which was submitted to the House, the committee recommended that all financial investments, loans, and contracts awarded by the former administration (2015 to 2023) be investigated.

During the presentation of the preliminary report at a plenary session in the parliament on Wednesday, the ad hoc committee chairman, Henry Zacharia, said most of the loans obtained under Mr El-Rufai’s administration were not used for its intended purposes.

He also noted that due process was not followed when applying for some of the loans. Kaduna House of Assembly speaker Yusuf Liman said an estimated N423 billion was embezzled during Mr El-Rufai’s tenure, leaving the state with huge liabilities.

The committee’s report concluded that Mr El-Rufai and some key figures in his cabinet should be investigated and prosecuted by security and anti-corruption agencies for abuse of office for carrying out financial dealings without following due process.

They also recommended the immediate suspension of Shizer Badda, the commissioner of finance, who also served in Mr El Rufai’s cabinet in the same capacity and is the chairman of the state universal basic education board.