The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeking a review of his bail conditions in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the existing bail terms remain valid, dismissing the defence’s argument that the conditions were too stringent and difficult to satisfy.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that level 17 civil servants who own property in Maitama or Asokoro, as required by the bail terms, are available and capable of meeting the conditions.

El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, had urged the court to vary the bail conditions, particularly the requirement for sureties who are level 17 civil servants with landed properties in Maitama or Asokoro, alongside verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.

However, counsel for the State Security Services, Oluwole Aladedoye, opposed the application, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the requirements exist and urging the court to dismiss the request.

Meanwhile, the State Security Services formally closed its case against El-Rufai at Tuesday’s proceedings after informing the court that it would not call additional witnesses.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the defence indicated its intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the DSS had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant El-Rufai entering a defence.

The defence requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution asked for an additional two weeks to respond.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 22nd September, for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.