The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 26 to rule on the no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is facing trial over alleged unlawful interception of a telephone communication. The court heard arguments from both the prosecution and defence on September 22. The prosecution and defence adopted their positions on El-Rufai's no-case submission during the resumed hearing.
The prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoyin, told the court that the defence had submitted a no-case submission. Counsel to El-Rufai, Akinyemi Aremu, announced that the defence team was led by Paul Erokoro. However, Erokoro was not present in court as he was still on his way. Aremu requested that the matter be stood down, but the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, refused, citing that she does not grant stand-down requests.
Aremu then sought permission for his co-counsel, Ekere, to handle the proceedings. Ekere moved a motion seeking an extension of time to deem the defendant's no-case submission properly filed and served. The judge granted the application, deeming the processes relating to the no-case submission properly filed and served. Ekere adopted the no-case submission and urged the court to uphold it and discharge the defendant.
Aladedoyin prayed the court to overrule the no-case submission and order the defendant to enter his defence. He argued that the defence had evaded Exhibit B, which he claimed was the defendant's confession. Aladedoyin stated that if the defence had addressed Exhibit B, they would not have made the no-case submission. He urged the court to invite the defendant to open his case.
The trial judge, Justice Abdulmalik, adjourned the matter until October 26 for ruling. The court will determine whether El-Rufai's no-case submission is valid. If the submission is upheld, the case against El-Rufai could be dismissed. Conversely, if the submission is rejected, El-Rufai will be required to enter his defence.
El-Rufai's trial began after allegations of unlawful interception of a telephone communication. The details of the allegations have not been disclosed. The case has garnered significant attention due to El-Rufai's prominence as a former governor of Kaduna State.
The court's decision on October 26 will determine the next steps in El-Rufai's trial. The former governor's no-case submission is a critical development in the case.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will rule on Nasir El-Rufai's no-case submission on October 26.
- El-Rufai's trial is over alleged unlawful interception of a telephone communication.
- The court rejected a request to stand down the matter due to the absence of El-Rufai's counsel.
