Alleged ₦8.68bn CCTV Contract Fraud: Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s Trial to December 8 as New Counsel Takes Over Case
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and six other defendants over an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud to December 8, 2026, following changes in the legal teams representing the prosecution and the first defendant.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) disclosed this in a press statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey. The statement said the case came before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the Federal High Court.
According to the Commission, the newly appointed prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, requested an adjournment to enable him to study the case file, review previous proceedings and familiarise himself with the issues before the court.
Similarly, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, who recently took over as counsel to El-Rufai, also sought additional time to acquaint himself with the case. The judge granted both requests and fixed December 8 for the substantive hearing.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the pending bail application of the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to El-Rufai, to October 16, 2026, for ruling.
ICPC Details Allegations
The Commission recalled that El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities were arraigned on June 25, 2026, on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.
The defendants are listed in charge number FHC/KD/93C/2026, alongside Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.
The allegations concern 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 was awarded in violation of applicable public procurement requirements and involved a company that lacked the requisite experience and qualifications.
The defendants have denied the allegations, which remain before the court for judicial determination.
Reaffirming its position, the Commission said it remained committed to prosecuting the case in accordance with due process, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
