A witness in the corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that $600,000 was earmarked to bribe officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an intermediary to halt investigations into some companies.

The witness, Segun Kayode, a senior operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) and digital forensics examiner, made the allegation on Tuesday while testifying before the Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo.

Kayode told the court that his team analysed telephone records and audio recordings obtained during an investigation requested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He said the analysis identified repeated communications involving El-Rufai, his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, and businessman Sam Darwish between October 25 and 28, 2025.

According to the witness, forensic examination of an audio recording indicated that it contained a telephone conversation between El-Rufai and his elder brother.

He said the conversation allegedly included instructions to obtain a template previously used to liquidate Olam for possible use in liquidating Singularity, as well as discussions about stopping an EFCC investigation into the company.

Kayode further alleged that the recording contained discussions about preventing the EFCC from investigating IHS, which he said was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

He told the court that $500,000 was allegedly set aside for EFCC officials, while another $100,000 was intended for an intermediary to stop the investigations.

The witness said his team conducted forensic examinations to assess the recording's authenticity, including acoustic and biometric voice analyses, and prepared a detailed investigative report that was submitted to the court.

However, El-Rufai's counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, objected to the testimony and the admission of the forensic report, arguing that the defence had not received adequate notice of the evidence.

He described its introduction as an ambush and maintained that the procedure could undermine the defendant's right to prepare an effective defence.

The prosecution counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, opposed the objection, arguing that it lacked legal basis and that the issue had been addressed in earlier proceedings.

Justice Khobo overruled the defence's objection, allowing the witness to continue his testimony.

The judge said the defence could apply through the court registry for a copy of the evidence and obtain a certified true copy.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until November 30 and December 1, 2026.

El-Rufai is facing corruption and money-laundering charges filed by the ICPC.