By Sani Ahmad Lere, Kaduna
A witness in the corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that six hundred thousand dollars was earmarked to bribe officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and an intermediary to stop investigations into some companies.
The witness, Segun Kayode, a senior operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, made the allegation while testifying before the Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo.
Correspondent Sani Lere attended the Court and filled in this report for Radio Nigeria.
Kayode told the court that his team conducted forensic analysis of telephone call records and audio recordings obtained during investigations following a formal request from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
He alleged that the recordings contained discussions about stopping an ongoing EFCC investigation into a company identified as Singularity and the proposed liquidation of the company in Nigeria and Mauritius.
The witness further alleged that five hundred thousand dollars was set aside for EFCC officials, while another one hundred thousand dollars was allegedly meant for an intermediary to stop the investigations.
The witness also told the court that forensic examinations were conducted on the recordings to establish their authenticity and determine whether the audio was consistent with a natural human recording or artificially generated content.
He said the analysis identified vocal frequency characteristics and a fifty hertz electrical hum, which he described as consistent with a natural recording.
Kayode further stated that biometric voice analysis indicated that the recorded telephone conversation was between Nasir El-Rufai and his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai.
However, counsel to the former governor, Paul Erokoro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, objected to the testimony and the tendering of the forensic report.
Erokoro argued that the defence had not been given adequate notice of the evidence and maintained that admitting the report without proper disclosure would undermine his client’s right to a fair hearing.
In response, prosecution counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, argued that the objection lacked legal basis, maintaining that the matter had been addressed in previous proceedings.
Justice Khobo overruled the defence’s objection and allowed the witness to continue his testimony, directing the defence to obtain a copy of the evidence through the court registry.
The case, which involves corruption and money laundering charges filed against the former governor by the ICPC, was adjourned for further proceedings.
The allegations made by the witness remain subject to cross examination by the court and challenge by the defence.
The Court adjourned to 31 of November and 1 of December for continuetion of the cross examination by the defendant Lawyer.
Edited: Shafii Abubakar Wababe
