By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and six others over an alleged ₦8.68 billion Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance contract to December 8, 2026.
The adjournment followed changes in the legal teams representing the prosecution and El-Rufai, the first defendant in the case.
The matter came up on Thursday before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.
The newly appointed prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, announced his appearance and informed the court of changes to the prosecution team.
Muktar subsequently requested an adjournment to enable him to study the case file, review previous proceedings and familiarise himself with the issues involved to ensure effective prosecution.
Similarly, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, who appeared as the new counsel to El-Rufai, asked the court for time to familiarise himself with the case following his recent takeover of the former governor’s defence.
After considering the submissions, Justice Buhari granted the requests and adjourned the substantive trial until December 8, 2026, for hearing.
Court to Rule on Co-Defendant’s Bail Application
The court also considered the pending bail application filed by the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to El-Rufai.
The judge adjourned the application until October 16, 2026, for ruling.
ICPC Arraigned El-Rufai, Six Others
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had, on June 25, 2026, arraigned El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities before the same court on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.
The case, marked FHC/KD/93C/2026, lists El-Rufai as the first defendant and Lawal as the second defendant.
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.
Allegations Centre on ₦8.68bn CCTV Contract
According to the ICPC, the allegations relate to the award of a CCTV surveillance contract for Kaduna metropolis, valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion, during El-Rufai’s administration.
The commission alleges that the contract was awarded in violation of applicable public procurement requirements and involved a company that lacked the requisite experience and qualifications.
The allegations have yet to be established in court, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
The ICPC said it remained committed to pursuing the case in accordance with due process, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
Source: Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
