₦4.61bn CCTV, $22m Deals: ICPC slams El-Rufai with multi-billion naira fraud charges
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a sweeping multi-count charge against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged involvement in a web of corruption spanning billions of naira, millions of dollars, and abuse of office.
Documents filed before the Kaduna State High Court accuse El-Rufai of contract fraud, diversion of public funds, unlawful enrichment, and attempts to compromise federal investigators.
At the centre of the charges is a controversial ₦4.61 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded in December 2015 to Singularity Network Security Limited for Kaduna metropolis. Prosecutors allege the deal violated state procurement laws.
An ICPC source said investigations uncovered “a deliberate pattern of contract manipulation designed to benefit a preferred company at the expense of due process.”
“The award of multiple high-value contracts to a single firm, under questionable circumstances, points to a calculated attempt to sidestep procurement laws and confer undue advantage,” the source said.
The ICPC further claimed that El-Rufai approved another $22.475 million contract for similar services to the same firm.
“These transactions were not isolated,” prosecutors stated. “They form part of a broader scheme to siphon public funds under the guise of critical security infrastructure.”
In one of the most serious allegations, the commission accused the former governor of inducing the Kaduna State Government to pay ₦11 billion to Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited—an unregistered entity—for a light rail project that was never executed.
“That you… under false pretence, with intent to defraud, induced the government to confer a financial benefit for a project that was never carried out,” part of the charge read.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that El-Rufai received ₦289.8 million as severance allowance—far above the legally approved amount of about ₦20 million.
“The payment represents a clear case of unlawful enrichment and abuse of office,” the ICPC stated.
Further charges include the alleged diversion of $1.085 million from a World Bank loan meant for development projects.
“Funds obtained under international development agreements must be applied strictly for their intended purposes,” the commission noted.
In a dramatic twist, the ICPC accused El-Rufai and his son, Bashir El-Rufai, of attempting to bribe investigators, with alleged meetings in Dubai and Cairo in October 2025.
“Offering inducements to compromise an ongoing investigation constitutes a grave violation of the law,” prosecutors added.
The charges also extend to alleged land fraud, with claims that the former governor unlawfully reallocated plots along the Kaduna-Zaria Express Bypass to companies linked to his associates.
Defence Responds
Reacting to the charges, a spokesperson for Nasir El-Rufai dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and lacking merit.
“These allegations are not only false but a calculated attempt to tarnish Mallam El-Rufai’s reputation and legacy of public service,” the spokesperson said.
The defence insisted that all contracts awarded during his administration followed due process and were in the best interest of Kaduna State.
“Every project undertaken by the administration was properly vetted and approved in line with existing laws. The CCTV and infrastructure projects were designed to enhance security and development,” the statement added.
On the ₦11 billion rail project, the camp argued that preliminary works and planning had commenced before unforeseen challenges stalled execution.
“It is misleading to describe the project as fraudulent simply because it was not completed. Government projects often face funding and policy constraints,” the spokesperson said.
Addressing the allegation of excessive severance pay, the defence maintained that all entitlements were lawfully processed.
“The payments in question were made in accordance with applicable regulations. There was no illegality or personal enrichment,” the statement noted.
The camp also denied any attempt to bribe investigators.
“At no point did Mallam El-Rufai or any member of his family attempt to influence or bribe investigators. Such claims are entirely fabricated,” the spokesperson said.
They expressed confidence that the former governor would be vindicated in court.
“We trust the judicial process and are confident that these charges will not stand the test of scrutiny.”
According to the ICPC, however, the allegations point to a pattern of systemic abuse of office, contract manipulation, and diversion of public resources during El-Rufai’s tenure.
The case is expected to test the strength of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework as proceedings begin.
