El-Rufai to file no-case submission as DSS closes wiretapping trial case

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is preparing to file a no-case submission in his trial for alleged wiretapping, following the closure of the prosecution's case by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The DSS had charged El-Rufai with five counts of unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. The charges stem from a television interview where El-Rufai claimed to have intercepted a conversation involving Ribadu, allegedly revealing plans for his arrest. The agency stated this action violated the Cybercrimes Act.

At the resumed hearing, the DSS informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that it would not present further witnesses, effectively concluding its case. El-Rufai's lawyer argued that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to require his client to present a defense.

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the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant his client entering a defence.

El-Rufai's defense also sought a variation of his bail conditions, describing them as overly stringent. These included requirements for Level 17 civil servants with property in specific Abuja districts to act as sureties and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council. The prosecution opposed this, but the judge declined to vary the conditions, stating that suitable civil servants exist.

The court has adjourned the matter to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.

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the conditions requiring Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts to stand as sureties, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council, were onerous.