The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alongside his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor, Jimi Lawal, over allegations bordering on a ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract fraud.

The defendants were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on amended charges involving alleged corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering related to the award and execution of the contract for CCTV installation in Kaduna State.

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai is accused of approving the contract for a company that allegedly lacked the technical capacity and required experience to execute the project. The commission also alleged that funds linked to the contract were transferred through several companies and individuals in suspicious transactions.

The anti-graft agency further claimed that billions of naira were moved between accounts and entities between 2017 and 2022, with some funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Both El-Rufai and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Following their pleas, the court adjourned the matter to a later date for consideration of bail applications and continuation of proceedings.

The case is part of ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor, who has continued to deny all allegations against him.