By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over an alleged ₦8.68 billion fraud linked to a city-wide CCTV surveillance project.
El-Rufai appeared in court alongside his former Senior Special Adviser, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, and five corporate entities. The case, filed as FHC/KD/93C/2026, was heard by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari.
The ICPC accused the defendants of corruption, money laundering, and breaches of financial regulations. Companies named in the revised 11-count charge include Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited, and Noble Coast Resources Limited. The Commission also listed Bashir El-Rufai, the ex-governor’s elder brother, in one count, alleging he is evading arrest.
According to prosecutors, the case stems from a contract for the survey, design, procurement, and installation of a CCTV network across Kaduna metropolis. They allege that El-Rufai approved the ₦8.68 billion deal for Singularity Network Security Limited despite the company’s lack of technical expertise, in violation of procurement laws. Investigators claim that more than ₦2 billion believed to be proceeds of crime passed through accounts tied to the companies between 2017 and 2022, with transactions structured to conceal the source of funds.
When the charges were read, both El-Rufai and Lawal denied all allegations. Their lawyers requested bail pending trial. Justice Buhari adjourned the matter to July 1, 2026, for a ruling on the bail applications.