El-Rufai Moves to Dismiss DSS Wiretapping Charges, Seeks Court Striking of Case

El-Rufai Moves to Dismiss DSS Wiretapping Charges, Seeks Court Striking of Case

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed an application before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the dismissal of criminal charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), in a case linked to alleged unlawful interception of a national security telephone conversation.

The suit, which also includes a demand for financial compensation, is part of El-Rufai’s legal push to have the charges thrown out on grounds that they are legally defective and constitute an abuse of court process.

In his motion, the former governor argued that the allegations do not disclose any offence recognised under Nigerian law and fail to establish a prima facie case against him. He further contended that continuing with the prosecution amounts to misuse of judicial procedures and violates constitutional safeguards, including the presumption of innocence and protections around fair hearing.

El-Rufai is also seeking substantial damages from the DSS, claiming reputational harm and alleging that the case was instituted in bad faith. His legal team maintains that the charges are both procedurally and substantively flawed.

The DSS, however, had earlier brought a multi-count charge against the former governor bordering on alleged wiretapping of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, following comments attributed to him during a television interview.

The matter has seen multiple procedural developments, including amendments to the original charge and court appearances in which El-Rufai pleaded not guilty. The prosecution insists the case is grounded in provisions of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws.

The Federal High Court is expected to rule on the application to dismiss the charges after considering arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

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