ICPC: El-Rufai’s Alleged ₦8.68bn Contract Fraud Case Adjourned, Bail Ruling Fixed for Friday
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed December 8, 2026, for the continuation of the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and six others over an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud.
The court also fixed October 16, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application filed by Jimi Adebisi Lawal, the second defendant in the case.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced the developments in a press statement issued on Thursday.
The proceedings took place before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.
At the hearing, the newly appointed prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, requested an adjournment to allow him to study the case file and familiarise himself with previous proceedings following changes in the prosecution team.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, also sought additional time to prepare for the case after recently taking over the defence.
The judge granted the requests and adjourned the substantive trial to December 8, 2026.
The case originated from the ICPC’s decision to arraign El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities on June 25, 2026, on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.
The defendants are being prosecuted in connection with a CCTV surveillance contract for Kaduna Metropolis, valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
The ICPC alleged that the contract was awarded contrary to applicable public procurement requirements and involved a company that lacked the necessary experience and qualifications.
The five corporate defendants are Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.
The case is marked FHC/KD/93C/2026, with El-Rufai listed as the first defendant and Lawal as the second.
The defendants have denied the allegations, and the matter remains before the court for determination.
The commission reiterated its commitment to prosecuting the case in line with due process, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of the defendants.
