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 the resumed hearing on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the DSS would not be calling any additional witnesses, prompting the prosecution to officially close its case.
Following the development, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, disclosed that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant the former governor entering a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution sought the same period to respond.
During the proceedings, the defence also asked the court to review some of El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as difficult to satisfy. The lawyers specifically challenged the requirement for level 17 civil servants with properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as the need for verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that qualified public officers capable of meeting the conditions were available and urging the court to retain the existing terms.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, holding that there are civil servants who own properties in the specified locations.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings in the trial.