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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is expected to file a no-case submission in his ongoing wiretapping trial, following the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closing its case against him on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge related to alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. The charges stem from claims he made during a live interview on Arise Television in February, where he stated that he had intercepted a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. This allegedly revealed plans by security operatives to arrest him, an action the DSS says violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the prosecution would not call any additional witnesses, leading to the official closure of the DSS case.
In response, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), announced that the defence would file a no-case submission. The defence argues that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence requiring the former governor to open a defence. Erokoro requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution sought an equal period to respond.
Erokoro also applied for a variation of El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as overly stringent. He highlighted requirements such as sureties being Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, along with verification letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
The prosecution opposed the variation, stating that qualified public officers exist who could meet the conditions. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the application to vary bail, ruling that suitable sureties were available.
The court adjourned the matter to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for political figures, surveillance laws, and national security in Nigeria.
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