Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Arraigned Over Alleged ₦8.6bn CCTV Contract Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and his former Senior Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The defendants, alongside five corporate entities, are facing an 11-count charge bordering on corruption, money laundering, and the illegal awarding of an ₦8.68 billion contract for the installation of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system in the Kaduna metropolis.

According to court documents, the charges allege that the contract was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited, a company the commission claims lacked the required experience and professional qualifications. Prosecutors further allege that between 2017 and 2022, funds exceeding ₦2 billion linked to the project were funneled through a network of companies and individuals in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

During the proceedings before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, the charges were read to the defendants, both of whom entered pleas of not guilty.

In addition to the former governor and his aide, the ICPC named several firms as defendants, including Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited, and Noble Coast Resources Limited. Bashir El-Rufai, identified as the former governor’s brother, was also listed in the charge sheet but is currently reported to be at large.

Following the arraignment, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, to hear and rule on the defendants’ applications for bail.

This legal challenge adds to ongoing scrutiny for the former governor, who is separately facing allegations involving the unauthorized wiretapping of the National Security Adviser’s communications.