The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai alongside his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor and five companies over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract.
The defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna in an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences. Also listed in the charge are Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited. ICPC also mentioned Bashir El-Rufai, identified as an elder brother of the former governor, in one of the counts, stating that he is currently at large.
According to the anti-corruption agency, El-Rufai allegedly approved the award of a contract for the procurement, survey planning, final design and installation of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system in Kaduna metropolis valued at N8.68 billion. The Commission alleged that the contract was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited despite the company lacking the requisite experience and qualifications, contrary to public procurement regulations.
ICPC further alleged that proceeds from the contract were transferred through various companies and individuals in transactions that occurred between 2017 and 2022. The Commission claimed that more than N2 billion suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity was received and moved through several corporate entities named in the charge, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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. The Commission stated that the alleged offences are punishable under relevant provisions of the Money Laundering Act.
Both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before the court. Following their pleas, Justice Hauwa’u Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the defendants’ bail applications.
The case marks one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions involving a former state governor in recent times, with proceedings expected to continue before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.