Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai
Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeking a review of the bail conditions imposed on him in his ongoing alleged wiretapping trial.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the case on Tuesday, ruled that the existing bail conditions would remain in place, dismissing the defence’s request for a variation.
El-Rufai’s legal team had argued that the conditions were too strict. Under the bail terms, the former governor is required to provide sureties who must be Level 17 civil servants with landed properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts. The sureties are also expected to present attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
However, the court held that qualified individuals capable of meeting the requirements were available and declined to make any changes to the conditions.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) officially closed its case against the former governor. Prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution had concluded its presentation of evidence and would not be calling any additional witnesses.
In response, defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, announced plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant El-Rufai being called upon to enter a defence.
Following submissions from both parties, the court granted them two weeks to file the necessary legal processes.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, when the court will hear the no-case submission and determine the next stage of the trial.
