ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai and Six Others Over N8.68 Billion CCTV Contract Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and six others over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded during his administration. The arraignment took place before Justice Hauwa'u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, on an amended 11-count charge involving alleged corruption, money laundering, and related offences.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the ICPC, the case revolves around a CCTV surveillance project for Kaduna metropolis, which was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited at a reviewed cost of N8.68 billion. The commission alleged that the company lacked the required experience and qualifications for the project. The defendants are accused of involvement in transactions linked to suspected unlawful funds.
Those arraigned alongside El-Rufai include his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Jimi Lawal, and companies such as Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited, and Noble Coast Resources Limited. The ICPC also mentioned Bashir El-Rufai, identified as an elder brother of the former governor, in one of the charges.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court. The ICPC stated that the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Investigations revealed transactions involving more than N2 billion between 2017 and 2022 through companies linked to the case.
Justice Buhari adjourned proceedings until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the defendants' bail applications. El-Rufai is also facing a separate matter involving allegations filed by the Department of State Services over alleged wiretapping of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu's phone.
ICPC Reacts to El-Rufai Support Group's Actions
Earlier, the ICPC stated that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's detention and prosecution are guided strictly by the law and not politics. The ICPC spokesman, John Odey, said the anti-corruption agency was not moved by the El-Rufai Support Group Association's decision to seek international support. The commission remains focused on upholding the rule of law in all its actions.
