The Department of State Services (DSS) has concluded its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling any further witnesses, effectively bringing the DSS case to a close.
Following the development, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, announced that the defence would file a no-case submission, insisting that the prosecution had failed to present enough evidence linking the former governor to the allegations.
The defence sought two weeks to submit the application, while the prosecution also requested the same period to respond.
Meanwhile, Erokoro renewed the defence’s application for a review of the bail conditions imposed on El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to fulfil.
The defence particularly objected to the requirement for level 17 civil servants who own properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as the demand for verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State traditional council.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to maintain the bail term.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to alter the bail conditions, stating that there are civil servants who own properties in the areas specified by the court.
The matter was adjourned until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.