RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering him to enter his defence in his ongoing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone conversations involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday, October 26, holding that the Department of State Services (DSS) had presented sufficient evidence to require the former governor to respond to the allegations.
The judge consequently adjourned proceedings until November 25, 2026, for the defence.
El-Rufai is facing an amended five-count charge brought by the Federal Government through the DSS over allegations involving unlawful interception of telephone communications and breaches of national security.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, during which two witnesses testified, El-Rufai filed a no-case submission seeking his discharge and acquittal without entering a defence.
His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case requiring the former governor to answer the allegations.
However, prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, opposed the application, maintaining that the oral and documentary evidence presented before the court was sufficient to justify continuation of the trial.
Aladedoye particularly referenced an exhibit containing statements allegedly made by El-Rufai concerning the interception of Ribadu’s telephone communications.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed that the evidence warranted proceeding to the defence stage, rejecting the former governor’s application.
The case originated from comments El-Rufai made during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time programme in February 2026.
During the interview, the former governor claimed that someone had intercepted Ribadu’s telephone conversations, enabling him to learn of an alleged instruction to security operatives to arrest him.
The DSS subsequently instituted criminal proceedings against El-Rufai over the allegations.
The former governor has maintained that his televised remarks should not be treated as a confession of unlawful interception.
Monday’s ruling does not amount to a conviction or establish El-Rufai’s guilt. It only means that the court considers the prosecution’s evidence sufficient to require a response from the defendant.
The case is expected to continue on November 25, when the former governor will have the opportunity to present his defence.
