El-Rufai challenges evidence as DSS closes prosecution case

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The prosecution formally closed its case before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja after presenting its witnesses and evidence.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling any additional witnesses.

Following the development, counsel to El-Rufai, Paul Erokoro (SAN), indicated that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant the former governor entering a defence.

The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution sought another two weeks to respond.

The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge bordering on the unlawful interception of communications and alleged breach of national security.

According to the charges, the former governor claimed during a live interview on Arise Television in February that he had intercepted a telephone conversation involving Ribadu, which allegedly revealed plans by security operatives to arrest him.

The DSS contends that the claim contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

During the proceedings, Erokoro also sought a variation of the bail conditions earlier granted to his client, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.

He argued that the conditions requiring Level 17 civil servants who own properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts to stand as sureties, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council, were onerous.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that qualified public officers who met the requirements existed and urging the court to retain the conditions.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik declined to vary the bail conditions, holding that there were civil servants with properties in the designated areas who could serve as sureties.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.