The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and six other defendants over an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud until December 8, 2026.
The case was adjourned on Thursday, October 15, following requests by newly appointed lawyers for both the prosecution and El-Rufai’s defence to allow them more time to study the case and prepare for the proceedings.
The matter was heard by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.
The prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, requested an adjournment to familiarise himself with the case file and review previous court proceedings. El-Rufai’s new counsel, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, also sought additional time to prepare his client’s defence.
The judge granted the requests and fixed December 8, 2026, for the continuation of the substantive trial.
Meanwhile, the court scheduled Friday, October 16, 2026, to rule on a pending bail application filed by Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to El-Rufai, who is the second defendant in the case.
Details of the Alleged ₦8.68bn Contract Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) instituted the case against El-Rufai, Lawal and five companies over allegations linked to the award of a CCTV surveillance contract for Kaduna metropolis.
The contract was reportedly valued at ₦8,682,574,054.94 and was intended for the procurement, planning, design and installation of a surveillance system in the state capital.
The commission alleged that the contract was awarded in violation of public procurement requirements and raised questions about the qualifications and experience of one of the companies involved.
The defendants are facing an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.
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 allegations are yet to be determined by the court.
The next hearing on the substantive case is scheduled for December 8, 2026, while the court is expected to deliver its decision on Lawal’s bail application on October 16.
The defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
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