By Our Correspondent
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, alongside his former adviser, Jimi Lawal, over an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud.
The anti-corruption agency brought the defendants before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, accusing them of involvement in irregularities surrounding a CCTV security project awarded during El-Rufai’s administration. Prosecutors alleged that the contract was awarded to a company that lacked the requisite qualifications and that billions of naira linked to the project were diverted through various channels.
Both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal team challenged the allegations and urged the court to grant them bail pending the determination of the case.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the project and its intended role in improving security across Kaduna metropolis. The court subsequently adjourned proceedings for consideration of the bail applications and further hearing.
The arraignment marks the latest high-profile corruption case pursued by the ICPC, as the commission continues its efforts to strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.
