The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed multiple criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of masterminding a massive corruption scheme involving billions of naira, millions of dollars, and abuse of office.
Court documents obtained by SaharaReporters reveal allegations of contract fraud, diversion of public funds, illegal enrichment, and attempts to bribe federal investigators, all filed before the Kaduna State High Court.
Central to the case is the controversial awarding of CCTV surveillance contracts.
In December 2015, El-Rufai allegedly approved a ₦4.61 billion contract to Singularity Network Security Limited for CCTV installation in Kaduna metropolis—purportedly in violation of state procurement laws.
Another $22.475 million contract awarded to the same firm is described as an attempt to give the company an “unfair advantage,” forming part of a broader scheme to siphon public funds under the guise of security development.
In Count One, the ICPC accuses El-Rufai of inducing the Kaduna State Government to pay ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity, Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited, for a light rail project that was never executed.
The former governor is also alleged to have received ₦289.8 million in severance allowance—far exceeding his lawful entitlement of ₦20 million.
Additional charges include the diversion of $1.085 million from a World Bank loan, conspiracy to bribe federal investigators in Dubai and Cairo, and land fraud involving the illegal reallocation of land along the Kaduna-Zaria Express Bypass to associates.
The ICPC contends that these actions constitute systemic abuse of office, manipulation of contracts, and the diversion of public resources for personal gain.
El-Rufai appeared before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24, 2026, facing separate arraignments over allegations of money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office, alongside one Joel Adoga.
The ICPC has confirmed plans to prosecute him in both federal and state courts.
Source – SaharaReporters
(vitalnewsngr.com)
