A former operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrahman Salisu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, allegedly offered a $600,000 bribe to stifle an investigation into a N32 billion fraud.
Salisu, who served as a key witness for the prosecution, testified that the alleged bribe was intended to compromise EFCC investigators probing the sale of federal government properties during El-Rufai’s tenure as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) between 1999 and 2003.
The explosive testimony places the high-profile politician and former minister at the centre of a significant corruption allegation, reigniting scrutiny over his past public service roles and the nation’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
During proceedings presided over by Justice K.O. Agbalumo, Mr. Salisu recounted how El-Rufai, then a powerful figure, allegedly attempted to interfere with the EFCC’s investigative process. The witness stated that the $600,000 offer was made directly to him and other members of the investigating team with the explicit aim of ensuring the probe into the N32 billion alleged fraud was suppressed or derailed.
The investigation in question focused on alleged irregularities and financial impropriety in the privatisation of public assets carried out by the BPE under El-Rufai’s leadership. These assets, crucial to Nigeria’s economic fabric, included various government-owned enterprises whose sales generated substantial controversy and public debate at the time.
Background to the Allegations
Nasir El-Rufai is a prominent Nigerian politician who has held several influential positions, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two terms as the Governor of Kaduna State. His career has often been marked by a reputation for reform and efficiency, but also by intense political debates and occasional allegations of impropriety, which he has consistently denied.
The EFCC, Nigeria’s primary anti-graft agency, has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption in the country since its establishment in 2003. Its mandate includes investigating financial crimes such as advance fee fraud, money laundering, and bribery. Cases involving high-ranking public officials like El-Rufai often attract considerable public and media attention, serving as a litmus test for the agency’s independence and effectiveness.
The N32 billion fraud case itself dates back to an era when Nigeria was undergoing significant economic reforms, including a large-scale privatisation programme. Critics at the time raised concerns about a lack of transparency and potential asset stripping in some of the transactions handled by the BPE. The EFCC’s renewed focus on this historical case underscores a broader governmental commitment to revisiting unresolved corruption matters, irrespective of the time elapsed or the political clout of those implicated.
The allegations made by Mr. Salisu form a critical part of the prosecution’s evidence against the former governor and are yet to be established by the court. While the court proceedings continue, El-Rufai’s legal team is expected to challenge the witness’s testimony through cross-examination, aiming to discredit the claims and present a robust defence. As of now, El-Rufai has not publicly responded to this specific testimony, but he has historically maintained his innocence regarding allegations of corruption during his public service.
The ongoing trial at the Federal High Court will proceed with further testimonies and legal arguments. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for El-Rufai’s political future and for the perception of Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, particularly concerning high-profile figures. The full details of the witness’s testimony are being closely followed by political analysts and anti-corruption advocates across the country.
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