Court Rejects El-Rufai’s No-Case Submission, Fixes November 25 for Defence
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his trial over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to enter his defence if he wishes.
The court adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for the defence stage of the proceedings.
El-Rufai is facing a five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged interception of Ribadu’s telephone communications.
The former governor had filed a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case, asking the court to discharge him on the grounds that the evidence presented was insufficient to require him to defend himself.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that its oral and documentary evidence established a case requiring the defendant to respond to the allegations.
The prosecution’s case included testimony from a DSS operative and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who appeared as a witness in connection with comments El-Rufai made during a television interview in February 2026.
During the interview, El-Rufai spoke about the alleged interception of Ribadu’s telephone conversations. The prosecution relied on the interview and evidence presented in court in pursuing the charges against him.
The court’s decision to reject the no-case submission means the trial can proceed to the defence stage. It does not amount to a finding that El-Rufai is guilty of the allegations.
The former governor will have the opportunity to respond to the prosecution’s evidence as the case continues on November 25.
