Post by Ismail Auwal Garba (@ismail_auwal_garba)

Witness alleges El-Rufai planned $600,000 bribe to obstruct EFCC probe

A prosecution witness has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai planned to pay $600,000 in bribes to obstruct an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigation.

Segun Kayode, a State Security Service forensic investigator, testified on Tuesday before Justice Darius Khobo at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo.

He said audio recordings captured discussions about payments of $500,000 and $100,000 to officials and intermediaries, alongside plans to frustrate an investigation into a company called Singularity.

Kayode also alleged that the conversations included proposals to liquidate the company in Nigeria and Mauritius. The allegations have not been established by the court.

Defence lawyer Paul Erokoro objected to the testimony, saying Kayode’s name and evidence summary were missing from the prosecution’s documents, denying his client adequate notice.

The prosecution argued that Kayode had been summoned by the court and could be cross-examined.

Justice Khobo allowed the testimony, ruling that the omission did not automatically invalidate it. He also permitted the defence to obtain a certified copy of Kayode’s findings.

The case resumes on 30 November and 1 December for cross-examination.

El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty and says the prosecution is politically motivated. He remains in custody under court-authorised remand orders.

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