Nasir El-Rufai ordered to enter defence in wiretapping trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik comes amid El-Rufai’s trial regarding the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The Department of State Services (DSS), which is prosecuting the case, presented two witnesses and argued that sufficient evidence, including an alleged admission by El-Rufai, was provided to establish a prima facie case. El-Rufai’s legal team had requested a discharge and acquittal, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a case requiring a defence.

Following the court's decision, El-Rufai is required to open his defence. The case has been adjourned until November 25, 2026.