RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed an objection by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s legal team to the appearance of a Department of State Services (DSS) digital forensic expert as a prosecution witness in his ongoing trial.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled on Tuesday that the prosecution could present the witness despite his name and summary of evidence not being included in the original list of witnesses.
The judge held that the defence’s right to a fair hearing could be protected through cross-examination.
The ruling followed an objection raised by El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, who argued that the defence had not received the witness’s evidence summary or the subpoena authorising his appearance.
Erokoro maintained that the omission denied his client adequate notice and sufficient opportunity to prepare for the testimony.
However, counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ayodele Adedipe, argued that the absence of a subpoenaed witness from the original proof of evidence did not automatically prevent the court from receiving his testimony.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo confirmed that the witness had been subpoenaed through a court order signed on June 30, 2026.
The judge relied on judicial authorities in permitting the testimony, while allowing the defence to challenge the evidence through cross-examination.
The witness, DSS digital forensic examiner Shegun Kayode, subsequently presented findings from an examination of communication records and audio recordings allegedly connected to the former governor.
Kayode told the court that forensic software had identified communications involving El-Rufai and individuals described as suspected associates, including Bashir El-Rufai, between October 25 and 28, 2025.
He explained that the findings led investigators to examine audio recordings obtained from a communication intelligence server.
According to the witness, investigators created a forensic copy of the original audio file and secured it to preserve its integrity.
Kayode further testified that the analysis indicated the recording was authentic and showed no evidence of artificial intelligence manipulation.
The court also listened to an audio recording lasting approximately 90 minutes, which reportedly contained portions of El-Rufai’s interrogation by the DSS and other exchanges.
The interrogation concerned allegations relating to the importation of approximately 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic substance, into Nigeria.
The forensic findings and allegations remain evidence presented by the prosecution and have not been established as findings of guilt by the court.
El-Rufai, who appeared under security escort, was accompanied by his wife, Asiya El-Rufai, and Kaduna State African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Isa Ashiru Kudan.
Speaking after the proceedings, Adedipe said the prosecution had formally opened its case and presented its first witness.
He explained that legal objections had prolonged the hearing but confirmed that the defence had commenced cross-examination.
Erokoro also acknowledged that the prosecution had presented its first witness, expressing confidence that the defence would successfully challenge the allegations against his client.
Justice Khobo adjourned the case until November 30 and December 1, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
El-Rufai remains on trial over allegations brought by the ICPC, and the court has not determined his guilt or innocence.
