El-Rufai To File No-Case Submission As DSS Wraps Up Wiretapping Case

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case in the alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to Ireporter Online, the DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and a breach of national security. The agency alleges that the former governor, during a live interview on Arise Television in February, claimed he intercepted a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, further suggesting that the interception exposed plans by security operatives to arrest him.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling additional witnesses, effectively closing its case.

Following this development, El-Rufai’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Paul Erokoro, informed the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence requiring the former governor to enter a defence. The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution also sought time to respond.

During proceedings, the defence further applied for a variation of El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as overly stringent and difficult to fulfill, particularly the requirement that Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts stand as sureties. The defence also challenged the demand for verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, urging the court to maintain the existing bail terms. Ruling on the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to vary the bail conditions, noting that eligible civil servants with property in the specified areas exist and can serve as sureties.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to September 22 for the hearing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.