Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a no-case submission in his ongoing trial over alleged breaches of national security.
The application was made on Tuesday by his legal team before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development followed the closure of the prosecution’s case by the Department of State Services.
DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, told the court that the agency would not be calling additional witnesses.
He maintained that the evidence already presented was sufficient to support the charges against the former governor.
In response, defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, informed the court of the decision to challenge the case through a no-case submission.
The defence argued that the prosecution had not established sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to enter a defence.
Both parties sought time to file and respond to the application, with the court granting the request.
Erokoro also asked the court to vary El-Rufai’s bail conditions, describing them as harsh and difficult to satisfy.
He cited strict requirements relating to senior civil servants, property ownership in specified Abuja districts, and attestation from traditional authorities.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that qualified individuals who meet the conditions are available.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the application to vary the bail terms, ruling that the conditions remain valid.
The court adjourned the matter to September 22 for hearing of the no-case submission and continuation of trial proceedings.
El-Rufai is standing trial on a five-count amended charge involving alleged interception of telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser.
The case arises from statements he made during a television interview concerning alleged surveillance and an attempted arrest.