Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Ex-aide Arraigned Over N8.68b CCTV Contract Fraud

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, was on Thursday, June 25, 2026, arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alongside his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Jimi Lawal and five others over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded during his administration.

The ICPC listed El-Rufai as the first defendant alongside Lawal, 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 an elder brother of the former governor and currently at large, was also named in one of the counts. El-Rufai while serving as governor approved the award of a contract for the procurement, survey planning, final design and installation of a Closed-Circuit Television surveillance system in Kaduna metropolis valued at N8.68 billion to Singularity Network Security Limited.

El-Rufai was arraigned before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna and pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge. The ICPC alleged that the defendants were involved in a fraudulent transaction involving the award of the contract and the subsequent transfer of funds through various companies and individuals.

The commission also claimed that the defendants received and possessed funds exceeding N2 billion between 2017 and 2022 through a series of transactions involving the companies involved in the case. This alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. Justice Buhari subsequently adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the defendants' bail applications.

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai approved the award of the contract worth over N8 billion without due process. The agency also alleged that the contractor, Singularity Network Security Limited, lacked the requisite experience and qualifications required for the contract.

The ICPC said the investigation revealed that funds linked to the project were transferred through a network of companies and individuals involved in the case. The funds are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

El-Rufai faces a case instituted by the Department of State Services involving allegations of wiretapping of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu's phone. The case has sparked widespread reactions on social media with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. As the case unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how it plays out. The ICPC has been leading efforts to curb corruption in the country by prosecuting high-profile cases.

In related news, several other high-profile cases have been ongoing in Nigeria, including the case of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing charges of corruption and money laundering.

The ICPC investigation into the CCTV contract has revealed a web of deceit and corruption involving high-ranking public officials and private companies. As the case continues, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if justice is served.

Nigeria is known for its high-profile corruption cases, with many former public officials and politicians being accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

In recent years, the country has seen a surge in anti-corruption efforts, with the ICPC leading the charge.

The ICPC has been at the forefront of efforts to curb corruption in Nigeria, and the case against El-Rufai and his co-defendants is a significant step in this direction.

The ICPC has recovered billions of naira in cash and assets from corrupt officials and companies since its inception.

In related news, several other high-profile cases have been ongoing in Nigeria, including the case of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing charges of corruption and money laundering.

El-Rufai's arraignment has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The ICPC has been leading efforts to curb corruption in the country by prosecuting high-profile cases.

Nigeria is known for its high-profile corruption cases, with many former public officials and politicians being accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Nigerian law enforcement agencies have been working to strengthen anti-corruption laws and improve transparency in government contracts.

Nigerian citizens have been demanding increased transparency in government contracts and the prosecution of corrupt officials.