A Federal High Court has adjourned proceedings in the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to September 22 after hearing arguments relating to a proposed no-case submission and an application seeking a review of his bail conditions.
The case is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations relating to the unlawful interception of telephone conversations allegedly connected to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
DSS Closes Its Case
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the agency had concluded its presentation of evidence and would not be calling additional witnesses.
According to the prosecution, the evidence already placed before the court is sufficient to support the charges against the former governor.
The DSS therefore indicated its readiness for the next stage of the trial.
Defence Files No-Case Submission
Responding on behalf of the defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro informed the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission.
The defence argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case that would require El-Rufai to open his defence.
Erokoro requested two weeks to formally file the application, a request that was not opposed by the prosecution, which also sought time to respond.
Court Rejects Request to Relax Bail Conditions
The defence also urged the court to review the bail conditions previously imposed on El-Rufai, describing them as overly stringent and difficult to meet.
Particularly, the defence objected to conditions requiring sureties who are Level 17 civil servants with property in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as verification letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
According to the defence, these requirements are restrictive and unrealistic.
However, the DSS opposed any modification of the conditions and urged the court to maintain the existing terms.
In her ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu Abdulmalik declined the application, holding that individuals capable of meeting the conditions could still be found.
Charges Against El-Rufai
El-Rufai is currently facing a five-count amended charge filed by the DSS over allegations bordering on the unlawful interception of telephone conversations.
The case also references comments he made during an interview on Arise Television, where he alleged that unidentified persons had intercepted the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser and that information obtained from those communications related to plans for his arrest.
The court is expected to consider the defence’s no-case submission when proceedings resume on September 22.