El-Rufai Trial: Court Admits DSS Forensic Evidence as Defence Prepares to Challenge Testimony
El-Rufai Trial: Court Admits DSS Forensic Evidence as Defence Prepares to Challenge Testimony
By Akin Alade
A Kaduna State High Court has allowed a Department of State Services (DSS) digital forensic expert to testify in the ongoing corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing the defence’s objection to the witness’s appearance over concerns about inadequate disclosure of evidence.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Darius Khobo on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, represents a significant development in the proceedings, with the court holding that the witness could testify despite his name and evidence summary being absent from the prosecution’s witness list. The judge noted that the defence’s right to a fair hearing could be protected through cross-examination.
El-Rufai’s senior counsel, Paul Erokoro, had challenged the testimony, arguing that the defence was not served with the witness’s evidence summary or the subpoena. He maintained that the omission deprived the defence of adequate notice to prepare for the proceedings and effectively examine the evidence against his client.
However, prosecution counsel, Ayodele Adedipe, argued that the absence of a subpoenaed witness from the prosecution’s list did not automatically render the testimony inadmissible. The court subsequently confirmed that the forensic expert had been subpoenaed through an order signed on June 30, 2026.
During his testimony, the DSS digital forensic examiner, Shegun Kayode, told the court that he analysed communication records and audio recordings allegedly linked to El-Rufai and some of his associates. He said specialised software was used to examine the materials and that he created and secured a forensic copy of an original audio file to preserve its technical integrity.
Kayode further testified that his analysis indicated that the audio recording was authentic and had not been artificially generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence. These claims form part of the prosecution’s evidence and remain subject to scrutiny during the trial.
The proceedings also featured the playing of 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 and regulated substance. The case is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is pursuing allegations against the former governor.
The court has adjourned the matter until November 30 and December 1, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination of the forensic witness. The defence is expected to use the opportunity to examine the witness’s findings, methodology and the reliability of the evidence presented.
The latest ruling does not determine El-Rufai’s guilt or innocence. Rather, it allows the proceedings to continue with the forensic testimony forming part of the evidence to be examined by both sides before the court reaches its decision.
