As Ex-Kaduna Governor Files No-Case Submission
- Safiu Kehinde
The Department of State Services (DSS) has closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Oluwole Aladedeoye, the DSS counsel, told the court at the resumed hearing on Tuesday that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter.
This prompted the formal closure of the case by the prosecution counsel.
Reacting to the development, Paul Erokoro, counsel to El-Rufai, informed the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission,.
Erokoro argued that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.
The defence subsequently sought two weeks to file the application.
In reaction, the prosecution requested two weeks to respond and also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.
Meanwhile, the defence argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
The prosecution opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, ruling that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to 22nd September for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of the trial.