El-Rufai's Defence Begins as DSS Closes Wiretapping Case

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Department of State Services has wrapped up its evidence presentation regarding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's wiretapping case. Two witnesses testified for the prosecution—a court-summoned activist and officers from the DSS—after which prosecutors announced they had exhausted their witness list.

September 22 marks the date set for the next court appearance, where El-Rufai's attorneys plan to submit a no-case motion challenging whether sufficient proof exists to sustain the accusations. Five amended charges have been brought against El-Rufai, revolving around alleged unlawful interception of communications and violations tied to national security.

These charges relate to remarks made during a February television broadcast in which he purportedly admitted to intercepting calls involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, allegedly revealing information about planned security measures and detentions. Such conduct, prosecutors contend, breaches the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2024.

According to Reuben Abati, a former aide to the presidency and seasoned media figure, El-Rufai faces detention stretching beyond electoral processes because bail requirements imposed on him are too rigid to meet while handling his legal troubles. Among the stringent terms, Abati noted, is a mandate requiring El-Rufai to secure a Level 17 government official stationed in the Federal Capital Territory to vouch for his release—a provision the ex-governor has found difficult to fulfill.

Following months of witness testimony from the prosecution side, the trial now enters its defence stage. El-Rufai's submission challenging the sufficiency of evidence, due September 22, will be crucial in determining whether proceedings should advance.

The court's ruling on this motion will establish the path forward: either the defence will present its own witnesses, or the case will move into subsequent procedural stages.