Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is scheduled to file a no-case submission in his wiretapping trial after the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closes its prosecution case. The DSS concludes that it has finished calling evidence at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following proceedings where the prosecution indicates it will not call additional witnesses. After the DSS closure, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), announces that the defence will seek a no-case ruling, arguing that the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to open his defence.

The trial is based on an amended five-count charge alleging unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. Reports describe the matter as arising from statements El-Rufai made during a live interview on Arise Television in February, in which he claimed he had intercepted a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS says the conduct violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

In the same proceedings, El-Rufai’s legal team also asks the court to vary his bail conditions, which the prosecution opposes. The court rejects the request and adjourns the case for the no-case submission and further proceedings on September 22.