Court refuses El-Rufai’s Battle to vary bail conditions as Prosecution Closes Case

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has rejected the application of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, to vary the bail terms granted him.

The judge term stated that civil servants who own properties in Maitama and Asokoro exist and can meet the requirements.

The court thereafter adjourned the case till September 22, 2026 when the judge will consider the no-case submission, a decision that could either end the case at this stage or open the door for the former governor’s defence to begin.

The courtroom drama surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai today entered a crucial new phase as prosecutors closed their case, setting the stage for a major legal showdown that could determine the future direction of the trial.

On September 22, the defence will formally present its no-case submission.

El-Rufai is standing trial in a case brought by the Department of State Services over a five-count charge. Among the allegations is a claim that he admitted during a television interview to intercepting phone conversations involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The former governor has contested the allegations and is seeking to challenge the strength of the prosecution’s case.

At today’s hearing, prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, announced the closure of the prosecution’s case after two witnesses testified before the court.

The development immediately shifted attention to the defence team, which declared its intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present enough evidence to compel El-Rufai to open a defence.

Defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, told the court that the evidence presented so far did not establish a case against his client. He requested two weeks to prepare the written submission, while the prosecution also sought time to respond before the defence would have an opportunity to reply on legal points.

The hearing also featured a fresh battle over El-Rufai’s bail conditions. His lawyers asked the court to relax some requirements, describing them as difficult to fulfil, including conditions involving senior civil servants, property ownership in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, and verification letters from the Kaduna State traditional council.

But the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that the conditions were achievable.

In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the application to vary the bail terms, stating that civil servants who own properties in Maitama and Asokoro exist and can meet the requirements.

With the prosecution’s evidence now concluded, all eyes are on September 22, when the court will consider the no-case submission, a decision that could either end the case at this stage or open the door for the former governor’s defence to begin.