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 in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development came on Tuesday when DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the prosecution would not be calling additional witnesses, formally bringing its case to a close.
The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge relating to alleged unlawful interception of communications and breaches of national security.
The case stems from comments made during a live interview on Arise Television in February 2026, where El-Rufai allegedly claimed he intercepted a phone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS argues that the statement contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), told the court the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the DSS had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant the former governor entering a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution asked for time to respond.
Erokoro also applied for a variation of El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as stringent. He argued that requirements for Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, alongside verification letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council, were excessive.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting suitable sureties existed. Justice Abdulmalik declined the bail variation application, maintaining the original conditions.
The court adjourned the matter to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.
The trial continues as the court considers whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence for the case to proceed.
