A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s no-case submission. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence for the trial to proceed. The former Kaduna State governor has been ordered to enter his defence if he wishes. The case was adjourned until 25 November 2026. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty.
El-Rufai was a founding member of the APC. He served as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023. He fell out with the party’s national leadership. He joined the ADC and became its vice presidential candidate. He was arrested in February 2026. He has been in ICPC custody since. The charge alleges he unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai denies the allegation. He calls the prosecution politically motivated. The Court of Appeal upheld the denial of bail in October. This ruling is the latest stage.
The court held that the prosecution had made a prima facie case. A no-case submission asks the court to dismiss charges before the defence is called. The judge rejected it. El-Rufai must now present his defence. He can call witnesses. He can testify. The burden shifts to him. The trial will resume on 25 November.
El-Rufai arrived at court with his wife. He kissed her before entering the building. The moment was captured on video. It drew attention online. Supporters called it a show of affection. Critics called it a distraction. The trial continues.
The case is significant. El-Rufai is a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration. His detention removes him from active politics. The prosecution says it is accountability. The defence says it is persecution. The courts will decide.
Winners: The ICPC, which advances its case. The prosecution, which survives the no-case submission. The court, which asserts its authority. Losers: El-Rufai, who faces a full trial. His legal team, whose submission failed. His political allies, who lose a figurehead. The ADC, which loses its vice presidential candidate’s active presence. El-Rufai’s family, who face a prolonged process.
Bottom Line: El-Rufai must defend himself. The court found enough evidence to proceed. He denies the charges. The trial resumes in November. His political future hangs on the outcome. So does the credibility of the prosecution.