Court Rejects El-Rufai’s No-Case Submission in Alleged Wiretapping Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday, October 26, 2026, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to enter his defence, if he so chooses.

The case was brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that El-Rufai was involved in the unlawful interception of Ribadu’s telephone communications.

El-Rufai had asked the court to discharge and acquit him, arguing through his counsel that the prosecution had failed to establish a case requiring him to defend himself.

The application followed the prosecution’s closure of its case after presenting two witnesses.

However, the prosecution opposed the no-case submission, maintaining that the oral and documentary evidence presented before the court was sufficient to establish a prima facie case against the former governor.

In rejecting the application, the court ruled that the evidence warranted calling on El-Rufai to respond to the allegations. The decision means that the trial will proceed to the defence stage.

The case is linked to comments El-Rufai made during an interview on Arise Television in February 2026, in which he spoke about the alleged interception of a telephone conversation involving Ribadu.

The court’s ruling does not amount to a conviction or a determination of guilt. El-Rufai remains entitled to present his defence as the proceedings continue.

The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for the defence stage.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected Nasir El-Rufai’s no-case submission in the alleged wiretapping trial, ordering him to enter his defence.