₦8.68bn CCTV Contract: Court Fixes December 8 for El-Rufai’s Trial

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The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and six others over an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud to December 8, 2026, following changes in their legal representation.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which instituted the case, said the new prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, sought an adjournment to study the case file and familiarise himself with previous proceedings.

El-Rufai’s new defence counsel, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, also requested time to acquaint himself with the case after taking over from the former legal representative.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari granted the requests and fixed December 8 for the substantive trial to commence.

The court, however, adjourned the bail application filed by the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former senior special adviser and counsellor to El-Rufai, to October 16 for ruling.

The ICPC had, on June 25, 2026, arraigned El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.

The companies are Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.

According to the commission, the allegations centre on the award of a CCTV surveillance contract for Kaduna metropolis valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion during El-Rufai’s administration.

The ICPC alleged that the contract violated public procurement requirements and was awarded to a company that lacked the requisite experience and qualifications.

The defendants have denied the allegations, which remain subject to judicial determination.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting the case in accordance with due process, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all parties.

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