The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on a no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged phone-tapping case involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from El-Rufai’s legal team and the Department of State Services (DSS), which is prosecuting the case.
El-Rufai, through his counsel led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Paul Erokoro, asked the court to discharge him and terminate the proceedings, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case requiring him to enter a defence.
The former governor is facing an amended five-count charge over allegations that he was involved in the unlawful interception of Ribadu’s telephone communications.
DSS Opposes No-Case Submission
The prosecution, however, urged the court to reject El-Rufai’s application and direct him to begin his defence.
DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, argued that the evidence presented before the court, including oral testimony and documentary evidence, was sufficient to establish a case against the former governor.
The prosecution also relied on evidence relating to comments El-Rufai allegedly made during an appearance on Arise Television in February 2026.
According to the prosecution, the former governor made statements indicating that he was aware of the interception of telephone conversations involving Ribadu.
Defence Disputes Prosecution’s Case
El-Rufai’s defence has consistently challenged the interpretation of his television comments, arguing that remarks made during a public interview should not automatically be treated as a criminal confession.
During earlier proceedings, prosecution witness Deji Adeyanju told the court that although he was present during the television programme, he did not hear El-Rufai specifically say that he had hacked Ribadu’s telephone line.
Adeyanju said what he heard was El-Rufai stating that “we listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
The defence has also maintained that the prosecution has not produced sufficient evidence connecting El-Rufai to the alleged interception.
Court to Decide Whether Trial Continues
The Federal Government closed its case after calling two witnesses and presenting electronic and documentary evidence.
El-Rufai’s no-case submission is therefore seeking to have the case terminated before he is required to present a defence.
The prosecution maintains that the evidence already before the court is sufficient to require him to answer the allegations.
Justice Abdulmalik will now determine whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case.
The ruling scheduled for October 26 will determine whether El-Rufai will be required to open his defence or whether the case will be terminated at this stage.
