Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s N8.68bn CCTV Contract Trial to December 8

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 N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract to December 8, 2026.

The court fixed the date after new lawyers took over the prosecution and El-Rufai’s defence, prompting both sides to seek time to study the case.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari granted the requests at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the court.

The newly appointed prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, announced his appearance and informed the court of changes in the legal team handling the case.

He asked for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file, review previous proceedings and familiarise himself with the issues before the court.

Similarly, Mustapha Abubakar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who recently took over El-Rufai’s defence, requested time to familiarise himself with the case.

After considering the submissions, Justice Buhari granted the requests and fixed December 8 for the substantive hearing.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed October 16, 2026, to rule on a bail application filed by the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to El-Rufai.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities on June 25, 2026, over alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.

The defendants face an amended 11-count charge in suit number FHC/KD/93C/2026.

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 centre on a CCTV surveillance contract worth approximately ₦8.68 billion for Kaduna metropolis, awarded during El-Rufai’s administration.

The ICPC alleges that the contract breached public procurement requirements and involved a company that lacked the necessary experience and qualifications to execute the project.

The allegations have not been established in court, and the defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence. The trial will determine the charges against them.