Key Takeaways
- The Kaduna State High Court adjourned the alleged fund misappropriation case against former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to November 30 and December 1.
- Justice Darius Khobo overruled the defence's objection, allowing a DSS digital forensic expert, Shegun Kayode, to testify despite not being on the initial witness list.
- Kayode's testimony detailed forensic analysis of communication records and audio recordings, alleging conversations about liquidating a company, halting an EFCC case, and offering monetary inducements to investigators.
- The ICPC is prosecuting El-Rufai on nine counts, including alleged N11 billion misappropriation, excessive severance allowance, mismanagement of a World Bank loan, and unlawful contract awards.
- El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him.
The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the high-profile alleged fund misappropriation case against former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, setting new dates for November 30 and December 1. This development follows a pivotal court ruling that permitted a Department of State Services (DSS) digital forensic expert to continue his testimony, which included potentially damaging allegations against the former governor.
Court Overrules Objection, Paves Way for Key Testimony
Presiding Justice Darius Khobo delivered a significant ruling, overruling an objection from El-Rufai's defence team regarding the testimony of forensic expert Shegun Kayode. The defence, led by senior counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, had argued that Kayode's name and summary of evidence were not included in the prosecution's witness list, thereby denying the defence adequate notice and the right to a fair hearing.
However, Justice Khobo held that the prosecution could call the subpoenaed witness, confirming that Kayode had been properly subpoenaed through a court order signed on June 30, 2026. The judge asserted that the defence's right to a fair hearing could be adequately protected through robust cross-examination, allowing them to address any concerns about the evidence presented. Counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ayodele Adedipe, supported this stance, arguing that the omission of a subpoenaed witness from the proof of evidence does not automatically render their testimony inadmissible.
Forensic Expert Unveils Damning Allegations
Earlier in his testimony, Shegun Kayode informed the court that the DSS conducted a forensic examination of communication records and audio recordings allegedly linked to El-Rufai and some associates. This exercise was initiated at the request of the ICPC and received approval from the Director-General of the DSS, adhering to strict procedures for preserving electronic evidence.
Kayode detailed how specialised software revealed two-way communications involving El-Rufai, his brother, and another individual between October 25 and 28, 2025. Further analysis of audio recordings obtained from a communication intelligence server indicated that the audio originated from a human voice in a natural environment. The witness also conducted biometric voice analysis using another forensic tool to examine the speaker's voice.
Crucially, Kayode alleged that a recording contained a conversation between El-Rufai and his elder brother concerning plans to liquidate a company named Singularity, halt an ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case involving the company, and prevent an investigation into another company, IHS. He further alleged that the conversation referred to $500,000 and $100,000 purportedly set aside to settle EFCC officials and an intermediary. These remain allegations from the witness and have yet to be established by the court.
The Weight of the Charges: ICPC's Case Against El-Rufai
The ICPC is prosecuting El-Rufai on nine counts bordering on alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. The commission alleges that he induced the state government to release approximately N11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed. He is also accused of approving and receiving about N2.898 billion as severance allowance, significantly exceeding the approximately N20 million he was legally entitled to, thereby conferring a corrupt advantage upon himself.
Other charges include the alleged mismanagement of over $108 million from a World Bank loan to the state in violation of the loan agreement, and conspiring with an associate to offer monetary inducements to federal investigators to compromise an ongoing investigation involving a private firm. The ICPC further alleges the unlawful award of a N46 billion CCTV contract in Kaduna metropolis, violating procurement laws and conferring undue advantage on an associate. El-Rufai has consistently denied all these allegations.
Why This Matters
This ongoing legal battle underscores Nigeria's persistent struggle against corruption, particularly involving high-profile political figures. The court's decision to allow forensic evidence highlights the increasing reliance on digital forensics in anti-graft cases, potentially setting a precedent for future prosecutions. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact public trust in governance and the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in holding powerful individuals accountable.