More trouble for El-Rufai as DSS investigator alleges $600,000 bribe plot

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai faces fresh legal challenges after a forensic investigator with the State Security Service (SSS), Segun Kayode, alleged that the former governor and some associates earmarked $600,000 to bribe officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and intermediaries.

Kayode, the first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, made the allegation on Tuesday before the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo, Kaduna, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo.

The investigator told the court that $500,000 and another $100,000 were allegedly set aside for the payments, claiming that forensic audio recordings captured conversations involving El-Rufai and some of his suspected associates.

According to Kayode, the conversations centred on alleged efforts to frustrate an EFCC investigation into a company identified as Singularity.

He named a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, AU Mustapha; Jimi Lawal; and Bashir El-Rufai among those allegedly mentioned in the recordings.

The witness further alleged that Mustapha and Lawal were directed to meet one Ahmadu Sule to obtain a template previously used to liquidate another company, with the intention of applying a similar process to Singularity.

Kayode said the discussions included plans to liquidate the company in Nigeria and Mauritius, where it was reportedly under investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

He also alleged that the recordings contained conversations about preventing the EFCC from investigating IHS, a company he said was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The allegations formed part of the prosecution’s evidence against the former governor. They have yet to be established by the court.

Defence challenges investigator’s testimony

The proceedings, which lasted nearly eight hours from 12:26 pm to 8:18 pm, included about two hours of audio recordings played in court.

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However, the testimony was preceded by a dispute over whether Kayode could testify, with El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), objecting to his appearance as a prosecution witness.

Erokoro argued that the investigator’s name and summary of evidence were missing from the prosecution’s proof of evidence, insisting that the omission undermined his client’s right to a fair hearing.

He maintained that the defence was entitled to adequate notice of the evidence it was expected to answer.

Counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), countered that Kayode had been subpoenaed by the court and that the omission did not automatically render his testimony inadmissible.

Adedipe told the court that the subpoena was issued and signed on June 30, 2026, adding that the defence would have the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. He also cited judicial authorities in support of the prosecution’s position.

Erokoro, however, maintained that the central issue was whether the defence had been adequately informed to prepare for the testimony. He relied on Section 210 of the applicable Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017, arguing that the prosecution should have served the subpoena on the defence.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo acknowledged that Kayode’s name and summary of evidence were absent from the proof of evidence but held that the omission did not automatically make his testimony inadmissible, provided the defence was allowed to cross-examine him.

The judge consequently overruled the objection and directed the witness to continue his testimony.

Another dispute arose after Kayode submitted a hard copy of his findings to the court clerk. The defence complained that the document had not been served earlier, arguing that it needed time to examine its contents.

Justice Khobo ruled that the defence could obtain a certified true copy of the document admitted as Exhibit One for examination.

The court adjourned the case until November 30 and December 1, 2026, for continuation of the proceedings, including cross-examination, following agreement by the prosecution and defence.

El-Rufai appears amid tight security

El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 11:50 am on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled noon hearing, amid tight security. He was accompanied by Isa Ashiru, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna State.

His appearance followed an order by Justice Khobo directing the ICPC to produce him in court for the resumed proceedings.

The previous sitting had been adjourned on Monday after the former governor was absent, following information that he had requested access to his personal physician to review medical test results.

The latest hearing came days after the Court of Appeal in Kaduna dismissed El-Rufai’s appeal challenging the refusal of bail by the state high court.

In a judgment delivered on October 9, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s decision, ruling that the former governor had failed to establish sufficient grounds for interference with the refusal of bail.

Multiple financial allegations

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had petitioned the anti-corruption agency over the alleged diversion and mismanagement of more than N423 billion in public funds during his eight-year administration.

The former governor is facing multiple cases involving allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and other financial offences before different courts.

He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The latest allegations by the forensic investigator represent prosecution claims presented in court and do not, in themselves, establish criminal liability. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.