ICPC Files New Charges Against El-Rufai Over Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed fresh criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and seven others, alleging fraud and money laundering connected to a ₦10.8 billion CCTV project in Kaduna State. The charges, consisting of 11 counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, were submitted to the Federal High Court Kaduna on April 17.

The ICPC claims that El-Rufai approved the award of an ₦8.68 billion contract in December 2015 to a company that allegedly lacked the necessary qualifications. Significant sums were reportedly transferred between 2017 and 2022 to individuals and companies linked to the project, including Singular Network Security Limited.

Other notable figures in the case include former Kaduna State officials such as Jimi Lawal and senior executives from IH Tower. This is the third set of charges filed against El-Rufai, who is already facing separate corruption-related cases involving state projects, including a light rail contract.