ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai Over N8.68bn CCTV Contract

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

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

According to the anti-graft agency, El-Rufai allegedly approved the award of a CCTV surveillance contract worth N8.68 billion to Singularity Network Security Limited despite the company allegedly lacking the required experience and qualifications for the project.

The ICPC also alleged that funds linked to the contract were transferred through several companies and individuals, with over N2 billion said to have been received and possessed between 2017 and 2022 under circumstances suspected to involve proceeds of unlawful activities.

Other defendants in the case include Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited, Noble Coast Resources Limited, and Lawal. The commission also named Bashir El-Rufai, identified as the former governor’s elder brother, as being at large.

One of the charges accused El-Rufai of aiding an act of corruption by approving the contract in violation of procurement laws while serving as governor.

Both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Following arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for a ruling on the defendants’ bail applications.

The former governor is separately facing another case involving allegations of phone tapping and abuse of office.