The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 26, 2026, to deliver a ruling on the no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is facing trial for allegedly unlawfully intercepting telephone communications. The court fixed the date after counsel for the prosecution and defence presented their arguments on whether El-Rufai should be required to open his defence.
During the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the defence would adopt El-Rufai's no-case submission. However, counsel for El-Rufai, Akinyemi Aremu, requested a brief adjournment as lead counsel Paul Erokoro was en route to court. The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined the request, citing her policy against stand-downs.
Aremu then sought permission for his co-counsel Ekere to proceed with the matter. 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 submission properly filed and served.
Ekere adopted the no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against El-Rufai. He maintained that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to require El-Rufai to enter a defence. The defence consequently urged the court to uphold the no-case submission and discharge El-Rufai from the trial.
The prosecution disagreed with the defence's position, urging the court to dismiss the no-case submission. Aladedoye argued that the prosecution had presented evidence that required an explanation from El-Rufai, particularly Exhibit B, which he described as the defendant's confession. He urged the court to reject the defence application and order El-Rufai to proceed with his defence.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 26, 2026. The court will then rule on El-Rufai's no-case submission. If the submission is upheld, El-Rufai may be discharged from the trial. Conversely, if the court rules against him, El-Rufai will be required to open his defence.
The trial's outcome will be closely watched, given El-Rufai's high-profile status as a former governor. The case has significant implications for the protection of citizens' rights and the accountability of public officials.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will rule on Nasir El-Rufai's no-case submission on October 26, 2026.
- El-Rufai is facing trial for allegedly unlawfully intercepting telephone communications.
- The prosecution and defence have presented opposing arguments on whether El-Rufai should be required to open his defence.
