Court fixes October 26 to rule on El-Rufai’s no-case submission

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set October 26, 2026, to rule on the no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during his ongoing trial for allegedly unlawfully intercepting a telephone conversation. This ruling came after both the prosecution and defense presented their positions on the matter during a recent hearing.

Prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, argued that the defense needed to address Exhibit B, the defendant's purported confession. Defense counsel, Akinyemi Aremu, requested the court to stand down, but Justice Joyce Abdulmalik refused, stating she does not grant stand-downs. Aremu later sought permission for co-counsel Ekere to take over, which was granted.

Ekere then adopted the no-case submission, urging the court to uphold it and discharge El-Rufai. The judge acknowledged the defense's arguments but adjourned the matter until the fixed date of October 26, 2026, for a final ruling on the no-case submission.