Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is expected to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closes its prosecution case in his alleged wiretapping trial. The DSS ends its case following proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, after which DSS counsel tells the court that no further witnesses will be called. El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), announces that the defence will apply for a no-case submission, arguing the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to open a defence.

The trial stems from an amended five-count charge over allegations of unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. The matter is linked to statements El-Rufai reportedly made during a live interview on Arise Television in February, where he discussed intercepting a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. DSS alleges the conduct violates Section 12(1) of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

During the same proceedings, El-Rufai’s defence also seeks a variation of bail conditions, which the court rejects, and the case is adjourned for further proceedings.