The trial of Nasir El-Rufai took a significant turn on Tuesday after the Department of State Services (DSS) closed its case, while the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the former governor’s request for a review of his bail conditions.
Presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the defence’s application seeking a variation of the existing bail terms, ruling that the conditions were reasonable and that suitably qualified sureties could be secured.
El-Rufai’s legal team had argued that the bail requirements were excessively stringent, as they mandate sureties who are Level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, alongside attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
The court, however, held that the stipulated conditions did not warrant modification and declined the application.
Meanwhile, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye announced that the Department of State Services had concluded its presentation of evidence and would not be calling additional witnesses.
In response, defence counsel Paul Erokoro said the team would file a no-case submission, maintaining that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the former governor in the alleged wiretapping matter.
The court granted both parties two weeks to file their respective processes and adjourned proceedings until September 22, 2026, when it will hear the defence’s no-case submission as the trial continues.
