El-Rufai faces bribery allegations as DSS forensic expert testifies in Kaduna court

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, confronts new allegations emerging from court testimony by a forensic investigator employed by the Department of State Services. According to Segun Kayode's statement before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo, El-Rufai and several associates purportedly set aside $600,000 intended as bribes.

The funds targeted officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission along with go-betweens. Breaking down the sum, Kayode indicated allocations of $500,000 and $100,000 respectively.

His evidence included forensic audio recordings documenting alleged discussions aimed at derailing an EFCC probe concerning Singularity, a specific firm under investigation. El-Rufai's legal team, headed by Paul Erokoro in his capacity as senior counsel, mounted objections to Kayode's participation in proceedings.

The defence argued the witness had not been listed in the prosecution's initial roster of witnesses. Justice Darius Khobo, presiding over the matter, rejected these objections.

The jurist found that adequate protection of the defence's procedural rights could be achieved through the opportunity to question the witness extensively. Forensic examination undertaken by Kayode connected El-Rufai directly to various communications pertaining to winding down the company's operations and related investigative work.

Two separate court schedules now govern El-Rufai's legal matters. The Kaduna State High Court set November 30, 2026 for its next session.

Meanwhile, a second proceeding at the Federal High Court located in Kaduna carries a later date: December 8, 2026. This postponement followed intervention by a recently engaged prosecution counsel seeking time adequate for examining materials on file and formulating legal strategy.

Such scheduling reflects the layered nature of judicial action currently underway against the former chief executive. Charges lodged against El-Rufai encompass both financial misconduct allegations and misuse of governmental authority exercised during his governorship in Kaduna.

Anti-corruption bodies have initiated extensive inquiries touching upon his time administering state resources. The former governor has made numerous court appearances recently as hearings proceed simultaneously across different courts handling distinct aspects of his cases.