A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 26, 2026, to rule on the no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is standing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of a telephone communication. The court fixed the ruling date after the prosecution and defence counsel adopted their positions on the no-case submission. The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presided over the hearing.
At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the defence team would adopt El-Rufai’s no-case submission. However, counsel for El-Rufai, Akinyemi Aremu, requested that the matter be stood down as lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, was en route to court. Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, stating she does not entertain stand-down requests. Aremu then sought permission for co-counsel, Ekere, to proceed with the proceedings.
Ekere moved an application seeking an extension of time to deem the defendant’s no-case submission properly filed and served. Justice Abdulmalik granted the application, deeming the processes relating to the no-case submission properly filed and served. Ekere thereafter adopted the no-case submission, urging the court to uphold it and discharge El-Rufai. He argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case requiring the former governor to enter a defence.
Responding, Aladedoye urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order El-Rufai to open his defence. He argued that the defence failed to address Exhibit B, described as the defendant’s confession. Aladedoye stated that if the defence had addressed Exhibit B, they would not have made the no-case submission. He urged the court to invite El-Rufai to open his case.
The trial has garnered significant attention due to El-Rufai’s high-profile status. As a former governor of Kaduna State, his case has implications for the country’s governance and accountability landscape. The court’s decision on the no-case submission will determine the next steps in the trial. Justice Abdulmalik’s verdict is expected to shed light on the prosecution’s evidence and the defence’s arguments.
The case has been ongoing, with various developments and adjournments. The court’s decision to fix October 26 for the ruling on the no-case submission indicates a critical phase in the trial. El-Rufai’s legal team has expressed optimism about the outcome, citing the prosecution’s alleged failure to establish a strong case. The prosecution, however, remains confident in its evidence and is eager to present its case.
The Federal High Court’s ruling on October 26 will have significant implications for El-Rufai and the prosecution. If the no-case submission is upheld, El-Rufai may be discharged. Conversely, if the submission is dismissed, he will be required to open his defence. The court’s decision will be closely watched by stakeholders, including the public, the media, and the legal community.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on Nasir El-Rufai’s no-case submission.
- El-Rufai is standing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of a telephone communication.
- The court’s decision will determine the next steps in the trial, with implications for El-Rufai and the prosecution.
