THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) sprang a surprise in its case against former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, October 13, when it called a State Security Service (SSS) digital forensic expert as its first prosecution witness.
The former governor was in court for the continuation of his trial over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and money laundering.
In the recording, which was mostly in Hausa with a smattering of English and which the judge allowed to be played in open court, Bashir was heard complaining about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigations into the brothers and companies linked to them, including Singularity.
The source said Bashir expressed worry about a letter of invitation sent to IHS Nigeria, whose sister company, IHS Holding is quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. The source noted that the revelation showed that the conversation probably occurred at the investigative phase before the matter was charged to court.
According to the source, in response to Bashir’s concerns, El Rufai was heard in the recording saying that he had people in the EFCC dealing with the matter to ensure that it is ‘killed.’
The ICIR reported that the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, overruled the former governor when he attempted to block the SSS forensic expert testimony.
It held that the ICPC could call the forensic expert, Shegun Kayode, who was subpoenaed by the court, 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.
El-Rufai’s senior counsel, Paul Erokoro, had argued that the defence had not received the witness’ evidence summary or the subpoena.
Khobo said the prosecution’s position reflected the applicable law, citing previous cases in support of the ruling.
The judge held that the witness’ absence from the prosecution’s witness list and evidence summary did not prevent him from testifying because he had been subpoenaed.
He added that the defence’s fair-hearing concerns could be addressed by allowing it to cross-examine the witness.
During the proceedings, an audio recording of his interrogation by the SSS concerning the alleged importation of about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic and strictly regulated substance, into Nigeria was played.
The recording, which lasted about one hour and 30 minutes, contained the interrogation and other exchanges.
The case was adjourned until November. 30 and December 1 for continuation of the cross-examination of the SSS witness by the defence counsel.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s efforts to secure bail from ICPC custody have been unsuccessful. The commission argued that he could interfere with ongoing investigations into cases he is facing in court if released.
To support its argument, the commission’s lawyer presented a recording of an interview El-Rufai gave to Channels Television, during which he said he would fight anyone he perceived as a threat to his professional integrity “to the death”
He has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026. He is expected to appear before another court in Kaduna on Wednesday, October 14, for trial in a separate case.