By Abigail David
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services (DSS) closed its case against him in an alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge relating to the alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.
According to the prosecution, El-Rufai claimed during a live interview on Arise Television in February that he had intercepted a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, which allegedly revealed plans by security operatives to arrest him. The DSS contends that the statement contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
At Tuesday’s hearing, counsel for the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not call additional witnesses, leading to the formal closure of its case.
Following the development, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), notified the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring his client to enter a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution sought a similar period to respond.
Erokoro also asked the court to review El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as difficult to meet. He argued that the requirements for Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts to serve as sureties, alongside verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council, were too stringent.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that qualified public officers capable of meeting the conditions were available.
Ruling on the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to vary the bail terms, holding that eligible civil servants with properties in the designated areas could serve as sureties.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.
