A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to ease the strict conditions attached to his bail in an ongoing wiretapping trial, insisting that the requirements remain necessary and achievable.
The ruling came on the same day the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case against the former governor, signalling a key shift in the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in the alleged cybercrime matter.
“The prosecution would not be calling any further witnesses, effectively wrapping up the DSS’s presentation of evidence in the alleged national security breach and wiretapping matter.”
The defence team had asked the court to vary the bail terms, arguing that they were excessively harsh and difficult to meet, particularly the requirement for a high-ranking civil servant as surety with property in Abuja’s highbrow districts.
“The defence had argued that the bail terms particularly the requirement for a surety who is a Level 17 federal civil servant owning property in highbrow Maitama or Asokoro, along with verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council were overly stringent and difficult to satisfy.”
However, the prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that eligible sureties exist and urging the court to retain the original conditions, a position the judge ultimately upheld.
“Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution, ruling that suitable civil servants with properties in the specified locations are available, and accordingly refused to modify the conditions.”
The case, which centres on allegations of unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has drawn national attention due to El-Rufai’s political profile and his public comments on the matter.
“El-Rufai is facing charges under the Cybercrimes Act and related laws over allegations that he and associates unlawfully intercepted communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.”
The court also heard that the matter gained further prominence after El-Rufai’s televised remarks, which prosecutors say formed part of the evidentiary record played in court.
“The case gained prominence after El-Rufai’s public statements on Arise News, where he reportedly admitted to surveillance activities that led to certain arrests.”
El-Rufai had previously been granted ₦100 million bail with strict conditions, including passport surrender and mandatory reporting to the DSS, restrictions that remain in place following the court’s latest ruling.
Erizia Rubyjeana
