A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, to open his defence in the alleged unlawful wiretapping case instituted against him by the Federal Government.

Justice in his ruling held that the prosecution led by the Office of the Attorney General has established a prima facie case against the former governor, thereby making it necessary for him to enter defence and explain his side of the allegations before the court.

The case which was reported by TVC News revolves around allegations of illegal interception and monitoring of private communications of some individuals, an act said to contravene provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act and other relevant security laws.

The court image accompanying the report captured El Rufai in a pensive mood with his hand under his chin, alongside a gavel which symbolizes the weight of the judicial order mandating him to answer to the charges preferred against him.

In dismissing the no case submission filed by El Rufai’s lawyers, the trial judge stated that the evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses and exhibits tendered so far cannot be dismissed as worthless and therefore requires a rebuttal from the defence.

With this ruling, the court has adjourned to allow the former governor and his legal team time to assemble witnesses and materials needed to open their defence, a stage that will determine whether the allegations of wiretapping can be sustained or defeated.

The trial has continued to generate public interest across the country due to the stature of El Rufai as a former governor and former FCT Minister, with many Nigerians awaiting the outcome of the case as proceedings continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja.