Court Orders El-Rufai to Enter Defence in Alleged Wiretapping Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to enter his defence, if he so desires, in his ongoing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday while ruling on El-Rufai’s no-case submission.

The judge dismissed the no-case submission, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant calling on the former governor to enter his defence.

A no-case submission is an application by a defendant asking the court to discharge them without requiring a defence, on the grounds that the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to establish a case against them.

With the dismissal of the application, El-Rufai has been given the opportunity to present his defence if he chooses to do so.

The case centres on allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s telephone communications. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

Further details of the proceedings are expected to emerge as the trial continues.