ICPC Files Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Charges Against El-Rufai

By Abah Margaret

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed multiple criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged involvement in a wide-ranging corruption scheme involving billions of naira and millions of dollars.

According to court documents filed before the Kaduna State High Court, the charges include allegations of contract fraud, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and attempts to compromise federal investigators.

At the centre of the case is the controversial award of CCTV surveillance contracts in Kaduna State. The ICPC alleged that in December 2015, El-Rufai approved a ₦4.61 billion contract for the design, procurement, and installation of CCTV systems in Kaduna metropolis, awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited, in violation of procurement laws.

In a separate count, the commission accused the former governor of awarding another contract worth $22.475 million to the same firm for similar services, describing the move as an attempt to confer undue advantage.

The anti-graft agency further alleged that El-Rufai induced 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.

The ICPC also accused the former governor of unlawfully receiving ₦289.8 million as severance allowance, far above his legitimate entitlement, describing the payment as abuse of office and illegal enrichment.

Additionally, the commission alleged that El-Rufai diverted $1.085 million from a World Bank loan meant for Kaduna State, in violation of the loan agreement.

In another development, the ICPC accused El-Rufai and his son, Bashir El-Rufai, of attempting to bribe federal investigators in 2025. The alleged meetings reportedly took place in Dubai and Cairo, where monetary inducements were said to have been offered to compromise ongoing investigations.

The charges also include allegations of land fraud, with the commission claiming that the former governor illegally reallocated land meant for private individuals to companies linked to his associates.

The ICPC maintained that the alleged actions reflect a pattern of systemic abuse of office, contract manipulation, and diversion of public resources.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai was on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over related allegations of money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office.

The commission had earlier confirmed that the former governor would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga as part of ongoing legal proceedings.