The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s no-case submission in his alleged wiretapping trial.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the date on Tuesday after lawyers representing El-Rufai and the prosecution presented their final arguments on whether the former governor should be called upon to enter a defence.
El-Rufai, through his counsel, argued that the Department of State Services had failed to establish a prima facie case against him and urged the court to dismiss the charges.
The prosecution, however, opposed the submission, maintaining that the evidence presented during its case was sufficient for the trial to continue.
The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on a five-count amended charge relating to the alleged interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and an alleged breach of national security. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty.
The October 26 ruling will determine whether El-Rufai has a case to answer and must open his defence or whether the trial will end at the close of the prosecution’s case.
The development has generated reactions online.
@sabimarkets: “How times have changed”
@JohnEtebom: “This man don suffer, i was one of those who said FG can’t arrest him but I was wrong.”
@dammygtnet: “Let them decide it asap. Putting someone in detention for over a year without a valid decision by the court is irritating.”
@greengizie: “The ever efficient algorithm of karma has humbled El .”
@YTBalogun: “May we never talk ourselves into problems that’s bigger than our capacity. Amen 🙏 Amin ati Ase waa 🚶♂️➡️👁️”
@KhalidTosin: “May Allah save this man from their hands”
@IIkemefule: “Ok, good one”
@Mark_Lander9993: “Wike will get there some day”
@Yung_maxter: “No peace for the wicked”
