The Department of State Services has closed its case in the alleged wiretapping suit against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, after calling just two witnesses.

The witnesses included a DSS officer who testified last month and Abuja based lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, who gave evidence on Monday following a court summons. Prosecution counsel Oluwole Aladedoye told the court it would call no further witnesses.

El-Rufai’s lawyer, Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, said the defence intended to file a no case submission, arguing the prosecution had not established sufficient evidence, and sought two weeks to do so. Prosecution requested the same period to respond.

Trial judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to vary El-Rufai’s bail conditions, ruling that he had not provided cogent reasons. The former governor had argued that requirements, including a level 17 civil servant surety with property in Maitama or Asokoro, were too stringent.

The court admitted El-Rufai to bail on May 18 in the sum of N100 million with one surety. He was arraigned on April 23 on a five count charge bordering on national security, accused of wiretapping the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and pleaded not guilty. The judge adjourned to September 22, meaning the ADC chieftain may remain in custody until then if he cannot perfect his bail.