Witness Claims El-Rufai Set Aside $600,000 to Influence EFCC Officials

A forensic investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) testified on Tuesday that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and some associates set aside $600,000 to pay off officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This claim was made during a trial at the Kaduna State High Court.

The investigator, Segun Kayode, said that the funds were divided into two amounts: $500,000 and $100,000. He also mentioned that audio recordings captured conversations involving El-Rufai and others about trying to obstruct an EFCC investigation into a company called Singularity.

Kayode alleged that the conversations included plans to liquidate Singularity, both in Nigeria and Mauritius, where it was under investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. He claimed the discussions also involved preventing the EFCC from investigating another company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

During the court session, which lasted nearly eight hours, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, objected to Kayode’s testimony. He argued that the prosecution did not provide the witness’s name and evidence summary in advance, which he said violated El-Rufai’s right to a fair hearing.

However, the lawyer for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) countered that Kayode was a subpoenaed witness, meaning he was legally required to testify. The court ruled that while the omission of details was noted, it did not automatically make Kayode’s testimony inadmissible.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 30 and December 1, 2026, for further cross-examination. El-Rufai has been in custody since February 18, 2026, due to allegations of financial misconduct during his time as governor from 2015 to 2023.