The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday declined an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, seeking a variation of the bail conditions earlier imposed on him in his ongoing alleged wire-tapping trial.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling, held that the conditions attached to the bail granted to the former governor were not excessive and therefore refused to relax them.

The decision means El-Rufai will remain in custody until he is able to satisfy the existing bail requirements.

El-Rufai, through his counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), had urged the court to review some of the conditions, describing them as stringent, harsh and difficult to meet. 

The defence specifically challenged the requirement for sureties who must be Level 17 civil servants with landed properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as the need for verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.

Opposing the application, counsel to the prosecution, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), argued that the conditions were reasonable and attainable, insisting that qualified public officers capable of meeting the requirements exist. 

He therefore urged the court to dismiss the request.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution, noting that there are civil servants who own properties in the designated locations and are capable of standing as sureties.

She consequently refused the application for variation of the bail terms.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case against the former governor during Tuesday’s proceedings.

Prosecuting counsel, Aladedoye, informed the court that the agency would not be calling any further witnesses in support of its case.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the defence indicated its intention to file a no-case submission, contending that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish a prima facie case against the former governor.

Erokoro requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution sought a similar period to respond. 

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, for hearing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.