A forensic investigator has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his associates earmarked $600,000 to influence officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Segun Kayode, a State Security Service investigator, made the allegation on Tuesday. He testified as the prosecution’s first witness before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo. Justice Darius Khobo presided over the proceedings.
According to Kayode, the alleged payments included $500,000 and another $100,000. He said forensic audio recordings captured conversations involving El-Rufai and some suspected associates.
Investigator Links Alleged Payments to Company Investigation
Kayode told the court that the recordings discussed efforts to frustrate an EFCC investigation into Singularity, a company under scrutiny.
He mentioned Senior Advocate of Nigeria AU Mustapha, Jimi Lawal, and Bashir El-Rufai among those allegedly discussed in the recordings.
The investigator claimed Mustapha and Lawal received instructions to meet Ahmadu Sule. Their alleged mission was to obtain a template previously used to liquidate another company.
According to Kayode, the plan involved applying a similar process to Singularity. He also alleged that the discussions covered liquidating the company in Nigeria and Mauritius.
Furthermore, Kayode claimed the recordings contained discussions about stopping the EFCC from investigating IHS. He told the court that the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
These claims formed part of the prosecution’s evidence. However, the allegations have not been proven in court.
El-Rufai’s Lawyer Challenges Investigator’s Testimony
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), challenged Kayode’s testimony. He argued that the prosecution’s proof of evidence did not include the investigator’s name or evidence summary.
Erokoro said the omission could undermine his client’s right to a fair hearing. He also argued that the defence needed proper notice to prepare its case.
However, ICPC counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) said the court had subpoenaed Kayode on June 30, 2026. He argued that the omission did not automatically make the testimony inadmissible.
Justice Khobo acknowledged the omission but overruled the objection. The judge ruled that Kayode could testify because the defence had the opportunity to cross-examine him.
The defence also complained that Kayode submitted his findings without providing an earlier copy. However, the judge allowed the defence to obtain a certified true copy of Exhibit One.
Court Fixes New Dates for Cross-Examination
The court adjourned the case until November 30 and December 1, 2026. Both parties agreed to the dates for the continuation of cross-examination.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 11:50 am, accompanied by ADC governorship candidate Isa Ashiru. Tight security surrounded the court premises.
His appearance followed a court order directing the ICPC to produce him. The previous hearing ended after he reportedly requested access to his personal physician.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Kaduna dismissed his bail appeal on October 9. The court upheld the decision to deny him bail.
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026. The commission is investigating allegations of financial misconduct during his 2015–2023 administration.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had petitioned the ICPC over the alleged diversion and mismanagement of more than ₦423 billion.
El-Rufai faces several cases involving alleged money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office. He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The courts have yet to determine the allegations.
