Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to challenge the case brought against him by the Department of State Services after the agency formally closed its prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on a five-count amended charge relating to alleged unlawful interception of communications and actions deemed harmful to national security.
The charges stem from comments made by the former governor during a live television interview in February, where he claimed to have intercepted a telephone conversation allegedly revealing plans by security operatives to arrest him. The DSS maintains that the statement contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution had concluded its case and would not be presenting additional witnesses.
Following the announcement, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), told the court that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to justify calling on the former governor to enter a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to file its application, while the prosecution sought a similar period to respond.
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Meanwhile, El-Rufai also asked the court to review the bail conditions earlier imposed on him, describing them as excessively difficult to satisfy.
His legal team argued that the requirement for Level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts to serve as sureties, alongside verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council, was too restrictive.
However, the DSS opposed the application, insisting that qualified public servants capable of meeting the conditions were available and urging the court to maintain its earlier ruling.
In her decision, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the request to vary the bail terms, holding that the conditions remained reasonable and achievable.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, when the court is expected to hear the no-case submission and determine whether the trial should proceed further.