By Stephen Simon
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, his former Senior Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and five companies over allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to an N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded during his administration.
The defendants were brought before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna on a 111-count amended charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
Also listed as defendants are Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.
According to the ICPC, the case centres on the award of a contract for the procurement, design and installation of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system in Kaduna metropolis. Investigators alleged that the contract, valued at N8.68 billion, was awarded to a company that lacked the requisite technical competence and experience required for the project.
The commission further alleged that funds linked to the contract were subsequently transferred through several companies and individuals between 2017 and 2022 in transactions suspected to involve proceeds of unlawful activities.
One of the charges alleges that El-Rufai approved the contract despite being aware that the procurement process allegedly violated relevant public procurement laws. The anti-corruption agency also claimed that more than N2 billion connected to the project was received and moved through various corporate entities named in the suit.
When the charges were read in court, El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Their counsel subsequently applied for bail, while the prosecution urged the court to proceed with the matter in line with the provisions of the law.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Buhari adjourned proceedings until July 1 for a ruling on the bail applications and further directions in the case.
The latest prosecution adds to a growing number of corruption-related cases instituted against the former governor by the ICPC. El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the various allegations against him and maintains that he will defend himself through the judicial process
