Kaduna Court Admits DSS Forensic Expert’s Evidence, Dismisses El-Rufai’s Objection

A Kaduna State High Court has overruled an objection by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defence team to the testimony of a Department of State Services digital forensic expert, allowing the witness to testify in the ongoing corruption trial.

Justice Darius Khobo ruled on Tuesday that the prosecution could call the witness, Shegun Kayode, despite his name and evidence summary being absent from the prosecution’s witness list.

The judge held that the defence’s right to fair hearing could be protected by allowing it to cross-examine the witness.

The ruling followed objections by El-Rufai’s senior counsel, Paul Erokoro, who argued that the defence had not received the witness’s evidence summary or the subpoena, denying adequate notice to prepare for cross-examination.

Prosecution counsel Ayodele Adedipe argued that failure to include a subpoenaed witness in the proof of evidence did not automatically render the testimony inadmissible.

The court confirmed the witness had been subpoenaed through an order signed on June 30, 2026.

In his testimony, Kayode alleged that El-Rufai and some associates earmarked $600,000 to pay EFCC officials and intermediaries to frustrate investigations into a company identified as Singularity. He said $500,000 and $100,000 were allegedly set aside.

The forensic examiner told the court that specialised software revealed two-way communications involving El-Rufai and suspected associates between October 25 and 28, 2025. He said analysis confirmed the audio was authentic and not artificially generated.

During the proceedings, an audio recording of El-Rufai’s interrogation by the DSS concerning the alleged importation of about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic substance, was played. The recording lasted about one hour and 30 minutes.

The case was adjourned until November 30 and December 1 for continuation of cross-examination.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his administration between 2015 and 2023.

Speaking after the proceedings, Erokoro expressed confidence that his client would be discharged and acquitted.

He said the next hearing would provide the defence an opportunity to test the accuracy and credibility of the prosecution’s evidence.