By Idriss LAWAL
Proceedings at the second day of former governor Nasir El-Rufai cybercrime trial ended Tuesday with prosecutor closing its case after calling two more witnesses.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting El-Rufai on a five-count charge in which he is among others, accused of admitting during a television interview, that he intercepted the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Following prosecutor lawyer Oluwole Aladedoye’s announcement, defence lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN) said his client plans to file a no-case submission. Erokoro said the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence before the court to establish its case against the defendant.He then, asked the court for two weeks within which to the written submission.
Aladedoye also sought two weeks to respond, while the defence got additional days to reply on point of law. Erokoro subsequently applied for the variation of some of the conditions attached to the bail earlier granted to the defendant on the grounds that they stringent and difficult to meet.
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He identified some of conditions that are difficult for the defendant to meet include the requirements for Level 17 civil servants, with property in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja; verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State traditional council.
Aladedoye objected to the request, arguing that qualified public officers, who meet the conditions, exist and prayed the court to refuse the application. Ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected Erokoro’s application and held that there are civil servants, who own property in Maitama and Asokoro.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned till September 22 for the filing of the adoption of no-case submission.
