The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the DSS informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling any additional witnesses, marking the end of its case against the former governor.
Following the development, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), announced that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant the former governor entering a defence.
The case stems from allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully accessed or relied on an intercepted telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, following comments he made during a television interview earlier this year. The DSS subsequently filed charges bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.
The defence also asked the court to review some of the bail conditions earlier imposed on El-Rufai, describing them as difficult to meet. However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request, maintaining that the existing conditions remain valid.
The court has adjourned the matter until September 22, when arguments on the no-case submission are expected to begin, a move that could determine whether the former governor will be required to open his defence or have the case dismissed.
