Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday filed a no-case submission in his ongoing trial over alleged breach of national security after the Department of State Services (DSS) closed its case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development was confirmed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, shortly after the DSS informed the court that it would not be calling additional witnesses.
DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, told the court that the prosecution had concluded its case and believed it had presented enough evidence to sustain the charges against the former governor.
The decision marked the end of the prosecution’s witness testimony in the matter.
Following the DSS position, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, informed the court that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not established sufficient grounds for the case to proceed.
He requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution also sought time to respond.
The defence maintained that the evidence presented did not justify continuing the trial.
Erokoro also asked the court to vary El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as overly strict and difficult to fulfil.
The contested conditions included requirements for senior civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, as well as verification letters from traditional authorities in Kaduna State.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that eligible individuals who meet the conditions exist.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the application, ruling that the bail conditions remained valid and enforceable
The court adjourned proceedings until September 22, 2026, for hearing of the no-case submission and further continuation of trial.
The DSS filed the charges after El-Rufai allegedly claimed in a televised interview on Arise TV that he intercepted a phone conversation involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, suggesting plans for his arrest.
He also linked the allegation to events at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following his return from Cairo, Egypt.
El-Rufai was arraigned on April 23 and pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge.
