A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday declined an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeking a review of his bail conditions in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial.

Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled against the request, maintaining that the existing bail terms remain valid and enforceable.

The defence had urged the court to vary the bail conditions, describing them as stringent. Under the current terms, El-Rufai is required to provide sureties who are Level 17 civil servants with landed properties in Abuja's Maitama or Asokoro districts, alongside attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.

However, the court held that individuals capable of meeting the requirements were available and therefore found no basis for altering the conditions.

DSS Closes Case

During the proceedings, the Department of State Services formally closed its case against the former governor.

Lead prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution had concluded its presentation of evidence and would not be calling any additional witnesses.

In response, defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, announced plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant El-Rufai's defence.

The court subsequently granted both parties two weeks to file their respective processes and adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026.

At the next hearing, the court is expected to entertain arguments on the no-case submission, a crucial stage that could determine whether El-Rufai will be required to open his defence or whether the charges against him will be dismissed.