Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has moved to challenge the case against him after the Department of State Services (DSS) announced it had concluded presenting evidence in his ongoing trial.
The development came on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the DSS informed the court that it would not be calling any additional witnesses.
According to the prosecution, the evidence already presented is sufficient to support the charges against the former governor.
However, El-Rufai’s legal team disagreed, arguing that the DSS failed to establish a case strong enough to require him to open a defence.
“The defence plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence.”
His lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), requested time to file the application, while the prosecution sought time to respond.
The former governor also asked the court to review his bail conditions, describing them as difficult to meet.
Among the conditions challenged were requirements relating to senior civil servants with properties in Abuja’s high-profile districts and verification letters from traditional authorities in Kaduna State.
The DSS opposed the request, insisting that the conditions were reasonable and achievable.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently declined the application to vary the bail terms, maintaining that qualified individuals capable of meeting the requirements exist.
The court then adjourned the matter until September 22 for the hearing of the no-case submission.
The case stems from allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, claims linked to comments he made during a television interview.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Source: NAN
