Former Kaduna Governor Set to File No-Case Submission as DSS Concludes Prosecution
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, counsel to the DSS informed the court that the agency had concluded presenting its evidence and would not be calling any additional witnesses in the matter.
Following the prosecution’s decision to close its case, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Chief Paul Erokoro (SAN), notified the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring the former governor to enter a defence.
The case stems from allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted and disclosed a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS contends that the alleged actions violate provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
During the proceedings, the defence also sought a review of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as difficult to fulfil. However, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined the request and ordered that the existing bail conditions remain in force.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, when the defence is expected to file and adopt its no-case submission.
The outcome of the no-case submission is expected to determine whether the court finds sufficient grounds for El-Rufai to open his defence or dismiss the charges altogether. The case continues to attract national attention due to its implications for national security, privacy laws, and the enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime legislation.
