The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the alleged ₦8.68 billion corruption and money laundering trial involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and six other defendants until December 8, 2026.
The adjournment followed changes in the legal teams representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting the case, and El-Rufai, the first defendant. The proceedings were held before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari.
New Lawyers Seek Time to Prepare
At the hearing, newly appointed prosecution counsel Ibrahim Muktar asked the court for additional time to study the case file, review previous proceedings and familiarise himself with the issues involved.
El-Rufai’s new counsel, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, also requested time to review the case after taking over the defence from the former legal team.
Justice Buhari granted the requests and fixed December 8 for the substantive hearing.
ICPC’s ₦8.68 Billion CCTV Contract Allegations
The case arose from an amended 11-count charge filed by the ICPC over an alleged procurement scandal involving a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance contract for Kaduna metropolis.
The commission alleges that the contract, valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion, was awarded during El-Rufai’s administration in violation of applicable public procurement requirements. It further alleges that the company awarded the contract lacked the necessary experience and qualifications.
El-Rufai and the other defendants were arraigned on June 25, 2026. The case is registered as FHC/KD/93C/2026.
Seven Defendants Named in the Case
Those listed in the charge are El-Rufai; his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Jimi Adebisi Lawal; and five corporate entities:
- Singularity Network Security Limited
- Solar Life Nigeria Limited
- Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited
- Intercellular Nigeria Limited
- Noble Coast Resources Limited
The case includes allegations of corruption, money laundering and related offences. The defendants have denied the allegations, which remain before the court for determination.
The next substantive hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2026.
