The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing trial over allegations of unlawful interception of communications linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
At proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the DSS would not be calling any additional witnesses, stating that the agency was satisfied that the evidence already presented was sufficient to establish the offences alleged against the former governor.
Following the announcement, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), told the court that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence requiring his client to enter a defence.
Erokoro requested two weeks to file the application, while the DSS sought a similar period to respond.
The defence also urged the court to review the bail conditions earlier imposed on El-Rufai, describing some of the requirements as excessively stringent and difficult to meet.
Among the conditions challenged were the requirement that his sureties be Level 17 civil servants who own property in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as the need for verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, urging the court to maintain the existing conditions.
The court subsequently granted both parties two weeks to file their respective processes on the no-case submission and adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, for hearing.
El-Rufai is standing trial on a five-count amended charge filed by the DSS, which alleges that he unlawfully intercepted telephone conversations connected to NSA Nuhu Ribadu, an offence the prosecution argues constitutes a breach of national security.
