El-Rufai’s Associates Earmarked $600,000 to Compromise EFCC Probe, DSS Witness Alleges

A Department of State Services (DSS) forensic investigator has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and some of his associates earmarked $600,000 to compromise an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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

Kayode told the court that $500,000 was allegedly set aside for EFCC officials, while another $100,000 was intended for an intermediary to facilitate efforts to halt the investigation.

According to the witness, the allegations emerged from forensic analysis of audio recordings containing conversations involving El-Rufai and some of his suspected associates.

He said the conversations centred on efforts to frustrate an EFCC investigation into a company identified as Singularity. The witness alleged that the discussions included plans to liquidate the company in Nigeria and Mauritius, where it was reportedly under investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

Kayode also alleged that the recordings contained discussions about preventing the EFCC from investigating IHS, which he described as a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The witness named a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, AU Mustapha, Jimi Lawal and Bashir El-Rufai among individuals allegedly mentioned in the recordings. He said Mustapha and Lawal were allegedly directed to meet Ahmadu Sule to obtain a template previously used to liquidate another company, for possible application to Singularity.

The testimony formed part of the prosecution’s evidence in the case against the former governor. The allegations have not been established by the court.

El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, challenged the testimony, arguing that the witness’s name and summary of evidence were not included in the prosecution’s proof of evidence. He said the omission could undermine the defence’s ability to prepare adequately for cross-examination.

The prosecution, represented by Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, argued that Kayode had been subpoenaed by the court and that the omission did not automatically make his testimony inadmissible.

Justice Khobo overruled the defence’s objection, holding that the witness could testify provided the defence had an opportunity to cross-examine him. The judge also allowed the defence to obtain a certified true copy of the forensic report admitted as an exhibit.

The proceedings lasted nearly eight hours, including about two hours spent playing the recorded conversations. The court adjourned the case until November 30 and December 1, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing in the cases against him and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.