The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, alongside his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Jimi Lawal, and five others over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud.

The defendants were brought before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.

According to a statement issued by the anti-graft agency on Thursday, the suit, marked FHC/KD/93C/2026, also lists several corporate entities as defendants, including Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.

The commission further named Bashir El-Rufai, identified in court documents as an elder brother of the former governor and currently at large, in one of the counts.

Allegations Over CCTV Project

The ICPC alleged that during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai approved the award of a contract valued at N8.68 billion for the procurement, design and installation of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system within Kaduna metropolis.

According to the commission, the contract was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited, a company it claims lacked the technical capacity and qualifications required to execute such a project.

Investigators further alleged that funds connected to the contract were subsequently moved through multiple companies and individuals in transactions suspected to be linked to unlawful activities.

The anti-corruption agency stated that more than N2 billion was allegedly handled between 2017 and 2022 through a network of financial transactions said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

One of the charges specifically accuses the former governor of facilitating an act of corruption by approving the CCTV contract in alleged violation of public procurement regulations despite purportedly being aware that the contractor did not possess the necessary qualifications.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty

When the charges were read in court, both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against them.

The other defendants are also expected to contest the charges as the matter proceeds through the judicial process.

Following the arraignment, counsel for the defendants moved applications seeking their release on bail pending the determination of the case.

Justice Buhari subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the bail applications.

Legal Battle Continues

The ICPC's prosecution marks the latest legal challenge involving the former Kaduna State governor, who has remained a prominent figure in national politics since leaving office.

As the case progresses, the court will determine the merits of the allegations, while the defendants continue to enjoy the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Nigerian law until proven guilty.

The outcome of the bail hearing on July 1 is expected to determine the immediate conditions under which the defendants will face trial as proceedings continue before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.