El-Rufai’s Bail Bid Fails as Trial Enters New Phase

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeking a variation of the bail conditions imposed on him in his ongoing alleged wiretapping trial.

Presiding Judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined the request after the defence urged the court to relax the existing bail terms, which require El-Rufai’s sureties to be Level 17 civil servants who own properties in Maitama or Asokoro and provide attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
The court held that qualified sureties who meet the stipulated conditions are available and, therefore, found no reason to alter the bail requirements.
During the proceedings, the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case. Prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be presenting any additional witnesses.
In response, defence counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), indicated that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring El-Rufai to open his defence.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted both parties two weeks to file their respective legal processes.
The matter was adjourned until September 22, 2026, for the hearing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.