El-Rufai Faces Crucial Court Date As Judge Sets October 26 For No-Case Ruling

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on a no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the phone-tapping case brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge reserved her ruling after hearing arguments from both the defence team representing El-Rufai and the prosecution over whether the former governor should be required to open his defence in the case.

According to Bush Radio Academy, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), argued that the DSS had failed to establish a prima facie case against his client. He maintained that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to warrant requiring El-Rufai to enter a defence.

Erokoro therefore urged the court to uphold the no-case submission and discharge his client from the need to defend himself at this stage of the proceedings.

However, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), opposed the application and urged the court to dismiss it. He argued that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require the former governor to respond to the allegations.

A major point of contention during the proceedings was Exhibit B, which the DSS described as containing an alleged admission by El-Rufai concerning the interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Aladedoye argued that the defence had not adequately addressed the contents and implications of the exhibit in its no-case submission. He consequently asked Justice Abdulmalik to reject the application and direct El-Rufai to enter his defence.

The defence, however, maintained that the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to establish the essential elements of the allegations against the former governor.

After listening to the submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 26, 2026, when she is expected to deliver her ruling on the no-case submission.

The decision will determine whether El-Rufai will be required to proceed with his defence or whether the court will uphold his argument that the prosecution has not established a sufficient case against him at this stage of the trial.