The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 26 October 2026 for its ruling on the no case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai in the case of alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after counsel for the defence and the prosecution adopted their arguments on whether the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to require El Rufai to enter a defence. The case has reached the stage at which the court must determine if a prima facie case has been established against the former governor.
El Rufai faces an amended five count charge brought by the Department of State Services. The charges relate to the alleged interception of telephone conversations involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and an alleged breach of national security. The matter stems from comments El Rufai made during an Arise Television interview in February 2026.
During the hearing, defence counsel urged the court to uphold the no case submission and discharge El Rufai. They argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case that would require him to open his defence. The prosecution opposed the application and asked the court to dismiss it and order El Rufai to enter his defence. Prosecuting counsel pointed to documentary evidence, including an exhibit described as containing an alleged admission, and maintained that the evidence already presented is sufficient.
The prosecution had earlier called two witnesses, including a DSS operative and a legal practitioner, before closing its case.
Separately, the Court of Appeal in Kaduna dismissed El Rufai’s appeal against the refusal of bail in a different matter. The appellate court, in a judgment delivered in early October 2026, upheld the decision of the Kaduna State High Court refusing bail in proceedings brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial offences linked to his tenure as governor. The Court of Appeal found that the appeal lacked merit and that the lower court had exercised its discretion properly.
The 26 October ruling in the Abuja phone interception case will determine whether the trial proceeds to the defence stage or ends at this point. El Rufai has denied the allegations in the various proceedings against him. The matters remain before the courts, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
By A.IKechukwu
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