DSS operative alleges $600,000 bribe to stop EFCC probes linked to El-Rufai

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Kaduna State High Court that $600,000 was allegedly set aside to bribe officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an intermediary to stop investigations into companies linked to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Segun Kayode, a digital forensics examiner, made the allegation on Tuesday while testifying in El-Rufai’s corruption trial before Justice Darius Khobo.

The witness told the court that $500,000 was allegedly earmarked for EFCC officials, while $100,000 was intended for an intermediary to facilitate the stoppage of the investigations.

Kayode said the allegations emerged from audio recordings his team examined following a request by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting the former governor.

He said the DSS obtained and analysed telephone call records and audio recordings involving El-Rufai and several individuals suspected of being connected to the matters under investigation.

Those named included Jimi Lawal, AU Mustafa, Ahmadu Sule and Sam Darwish.

According to the witness, the Director-General of the DSS approved the forensic exercise before the Director of Counter-Terrorism instructed his team to proceed.

Kayode said the relevant call data records were obtained from the agency’s telecommunications intelligence unit through a secure server, following procedures for preserving electronic evidence.

He explained that his team used information technology tools to establish communication links among the individuals, while Microsoft Excel worksheets helped determine the frequency of their telephone contacts.