Compiled By: Malami Haruna Dogondaji
15 OCTOBER, 2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the high-profile corruption and money laundering trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and six co-defendants to December 8, 2026, following sweeping changes in both the prosecution and defense legal teams.
Case History and Arraignment Timeline
The legal proceedings stem from a comprehensive investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding an alleged multi-billion naira procurement scandal.
- The Core Allegations: The case centers on the award of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance contract for Kaduna Metropolis, valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion, during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor. The ICPC alleges the contract was awarded in gross violation of public procurement laws to an entity lacking the requisite experience and qualifications.
- The Charges (June 25, 2026): The ICPC formally arraigned El-Rufai alongside his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Mr. Jimi Adebisi Lawal, and five corporate entities before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari under an amended 11-count charge (Case Marked: FHC/KD/93C/2026).
- The Defendants: The corporate entities joined in the charge include Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited, and Noble Coast Resources Limited. All defendants have maintained their plea of not guilty.
former governor of Kaduna state Mal Nasir Elfuai,
, Mr. Jimi Adebisi Lawal,
Transitions and Legal Team Changes
During the recent court session before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna Judicial Division, proceedings experienced a procedural pause due to changes in legal representations:
- Prosecution Transition: Newly appointed prosecution counsel Ibrahim Muktar announced his appearance, formally notifying the court of a reconstituted prosecution team. He requested an adjournment to study the extensive case file, review past proceedings, and familiarize himself with the record.
- Defense Transition: Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, appeared as the newly retained lead counsel for the first defendant, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, similarly seeking time to take over the defense file from previous counsel.
- Judicial Ruling: Granting the joint applications, Justice Buhari adjourned the substantive hearing to December 8, 2026. Meanwhile, a separate bail application filed by the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, was slated for ruling on October 16, 2026.
“The newly appointed prosecution counsel sought an adjournment to enable him to study the case file, review previous proceedings, and familiarize himself with the issues before the court.”
Fast Facts: The El-Rufai CCTV Contract Trial
- Presiding Judge: Honourable Justice Hauwa’u Buhari (Federal High Court, Kaduna Division).
- Core Subject: ₦8.68 billion Kaduna Metropolis CCTV surveillance contract.
- Original Arraignment Date: June 25, 2026.
- New Substantive Hearing Date: December 8, 2026.
- Bail Application Ruling Date: October 16, 2026 (for second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal).
The Social Call-to-Action (CTA)
How can public procurement monitoring frameworks be strengthened to prevent contract inflation and ensure strict adherence to due process across state governments? Share your thoughts on NTA’s digital platforms @NTANetwork.
