El-Rufai's Wiretapping Trial Advances as DSS Closes Prosecution Case

The Department of State Services has concluded presenting evidence against Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, in a wiretapping case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution called two witnesses during the trial, including a court-summoned activist and DSS personnel, before announcing it would call no further witnesses.

The case now moves to the defence phase, with El-Rufai's legal team expected to file a no-case submission on September 22. El-Rufai faces five amended charges related to unlawful interception of communications and violations of national security law.

The charges stem from remarks he made during a live television interview on Arise TV in February, during which he allegedly discussed intercepting telephone conversations involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. According to court testimony from activist Deji Adeyanju, El-Rufai made admissions about the wiretapping during the broadcast, which prosecutors claim suggests knowledge of planned security operations.

A separate application by El-Rufai to relax his bail conditions was rejected by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The former governor's legal team, led by Paul Erokoro SAN, argued that the existing bail requirements were overly stringent and difficult to satisfy within a reasonable timeframe.

The defence cited concerns about a requirement to provide sureties at civil service level 17 with property in high-profile areas of Abuja such as Maitama or Asokoro. The court declined to vary the terms, keeping El-Rufai in custody pending his ability to meet the original bail conditions.

El-Rufai's legal team has signalled plans to challenge the prosecution's case through a no-case submission, a procedural move arguing that insufficient evidence has been presented to warrant a conviction. The court hearing to consider this submission is scheduled for September 22, after which the defence may present its own evidence if the submission fails.