Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai drew attention at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after embracing and kissing his wife before entering the courtroom for his ongoing wiretapping trial.
The moment, captured in a video that has since circulated widely on social media, attracted the attention of lawyers and supporters gathered at the court premises.
El-Rufai is standing trial over allegations that he intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During proceedings on Monday, the court dismissed the former governor’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require him to enter his defence.
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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the Department of State Services (DSS), which is prosecuting the case, had established a basis for El-Rufai to respond to the allegations against him.
The judge consequently directed the former governor, who is the sole defendant in the charge, to open his defence.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for the commencement of his defence.
El-Rufai is expected to respond to the allegations as the trial continues.