The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the DSS would not be presenting any additional witnesses, effectively bringing the prosecution’s case to a close.
Following the announcement, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, disclosed that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has not provided enough evidence to warrant the former governor being called upon to enter a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to prepare and file the application.
In response, the prosecution sought two weeks to file its reply and also asked the court to review some of the bail conditions previously granted to El-Rufai, describing them as difficult to satisfy.
The defence maintained that the bail requirements were overly stringent, particularly the conditions requiring sureties who are level 17 civil servants with property ownership in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that eligible public servants capable of meeting the conditions exist and urging the court to retain the existing terms.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the request to vary the bail conditions, holding that there are civil servants who own properties in the specified locations and can serve as sureties.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings in the trial.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and is currently facing charges linked to allegations of unlawful interception of communications, an accusation he has denied.
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