The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, his ex-adviser Jimi Lawal, and five others to court. The group faces an 11-count charge related to money laundering and corruption. According to an official announcement, the arraignment took place before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The legal action involves several entities, including Singularity Network Security Limited and Solar Life Nigeria Limited, among others. Authorities also identified Bashir El-Rufai, the former governor’s brother, as a person of interest currently missing. Prosecutors allege that during his tenure, El-Rufai awarded an N8.68 billion contract for a CCTV surveillance project to Singularity Network Security Limited, despite the firm failing to meet necessary qualification standards.
The commission claims that the funds were funneled through various corporate accounts between 2017 and 2022. These transactions, totaling over N2 billion, are viewed as illicit proceeds. Investigators state that these actions violate the 2022 Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. Furthermore, the former governor stands accused of bypassing procurement laws to facilitate this contract.
Both Nasir El-Rufai and Jimi Lawal entered pleas of not guilty. Justice Buhari has scheduled the hearing for bail applications for July 1, 2026. This case marks another legal challenge for El-Rufai, who is also under scrutiny by the DSS for claims regarding the interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
