By Abigail David

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, and five others over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded during his administration.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, stating that the defendants were arraigned before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, in Charge No. FHC/KD/93C/2026.

According to the ICPC, the amended 11-count charge involves allegations of corruption, money laundering and related offences.

Others listed in the charge include Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.

The commission alleged that the defendants received and possessed funds exceeding N2 billion between 2017 and 2022 through transactions involving the companies named in the charge. It further claimed that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In one of the counts, the ICPC alleged that El-Rufai, while serving as governor, approved the award of a CCTV procurement, design and installation contract valued at N8.68 billion to a company it claimed lacked the requisite experience and that the award violated procurement regulations.

El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Following their arraignment, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the bail applications filed by the defendants.

The former governor is also facing a separate case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations relating to the unlawful interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The operatives of the Department of State Security Services, DSS has laid a manhunt on embattled former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue State, over Alleged impersonation.

A highly placed Security source on Thursday, confirmed to our correspondent that the service is currently looking for Dr. Emmanuel Agbo for impersonating himself as the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Benue state.

The source said that Dr. Agbo, must be interrogated to enable the service have an idea were his candidature was decided as well as venue it took place.

He further added that from preliminary findings Agbo, is playing a role of a ” useful idiot ” been sponsored by political bigwigs in the state that must be unravel by the service.

He queried that all the primary election that took place across the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory was monitored by the DSS and reports were filed including that of Benue State which officially in the PDP, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN emerged.

Already, a political pressure group has petitioed, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo who they Alleged he is now parading a “fake” Certificate of Return as the party’s candidate is just an “impostor” who didn’t participate in the party’s primaries in May, 2026.

“The Certificate of Return which the disbanded Turaki-led Interim National Executive Council presented to Dr. Agbo yesterday is fake and will not be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission during the uploading of party candidates on their portal” the group noted.

The group however challenged Agbo to present evidence that he partook in the said primaries, and also make available proofs that representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, officials of the party from Abuja as well as representatives of Nigeria’s security agencies were present in his own selection process if there is any.

The group stated further that there are proofs that Dr. Emmanuel Agbo is being sponsored by some “disgruntled” elements to ruin the chances of the People’s Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship election in Benue state.

The statement reads in parts:”Emmanuel Agbo has been warned to desist from this act of impersonation before it’s too late, and if he fails to stop this act, we shall drag him before a competent court to face criminal charges.

“That he is being sponsored to ruin the chances of the party is no longer a secret but, we will make sure that we stop him and his co-travellers who are hell bent on destroying the party”

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Hyelhira Language and Cultural Center (HLCC) has launched a six-month Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme for 30 young people in Kaduna State, aimed at improving vocational skills and promoting entrepreneurship.The programme, which was officially flagged off on June 24, 2026, is supported by the Federal University of Education (FUE) and the World Bank under the TVET Initiative.The launch event brought together government officials, development partners, community leaders, facilitators and beneficiaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, HLCC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Grace Dzamra Saleh, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that the programme is designed to equip them with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and hands-on experience. “We expect commitment and dedication from all participants. The skills acquired through this programme should help transform lives and create opportunities within their communities,” she said.

Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, Denis Victor commended the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development. Kabir Gambo, representing the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai, said the state had established skill acquisition centres across its three senatorial districts to strengthen vocational education and entrepreneurship.

According to HLCC, the programme will provide participants with vocational training, business management skills and entrepreneurship education to enhance employability and support self-employment opportunities.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to HLCC, the Federal University of Education and the World Bank for the opportunity and pledged to complete the training successfully.HLCC is a Kaduna-based organisation focused on indigenous language preservation, cultural heritage, youth empowerment, education and community development.