Former Kaduna State Governor El-Rufai to file no-case submission in wiretapping trial
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to file a no-case submission in his alleged wiretapping trial after the Department of State Services DSS closed its case against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge related to alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. The charges stem from El-Rufai's claim on Arise Television in February that he intercepted a telephone conversation, which the DSS alleges violates Section 121 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc Amendment Act, 2024. DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the prosecution would not call further witnesses, leading to the closure of their case. El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro SAN, stated that the defense would file a no-case submission, arguing insufficient evidence from the prosecution. Erokoro also sought a variation of El-Rufai's bail conditions, describing them as stringent, but Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to vary the conditions. The matter has been adjourned until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu announced that the man accused of assaulting an 18-year-old woman in a viral video is now in police custody. Gwamnishu revealed on Instagram that preliminary findings indicate the woman, identified as Chisom, was 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began. Her father was unaware of any alleged marriage. The development follows a disturbing video showing a visibly injured young woman, identified as an 18-year-old wife, with her husband exchanging words with neighbors over alleged abuse. A separate video showed the woman at a hospital with Gwamnishu, where she initially pleaded against the man's arrest. However, the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation's Lagos chapter intervened, leading to the suspect's detention at the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters. Gwamnishu also received a call from a relative of Chisom's father, who stated that Chisom and her siblings were taken away after their mother's death when Chisom was seven. The relative claimed Chisom's father became depressed and was unaware of any marriage involving Chisom. Gwamnishu stated that the organization would continue to support Chisom, noting her deep trauma and the need for protection and understanding as investigations proceed. His Lagos State Director, Nta Amarachi Judith, is actively following up on the matter.
Royal Air Maroc has announced a promotional fare for flights from Lagos to Los Angeles, starting from ₦1,454,000. This fare is presented as a more affordable option compared to other airlines, which often charge over ₦2.2 million for similar return tickets. The route includes a connection through Casablanca, aiming to provide a smoother transit experience for travelers. This offer is available during the peak travel season and is intended for Nigerian families, entrepreneurs, and students traveling to the US West Coast. Travelers are advised to book early due to a limited number of promotional seats.
President Donald Trump announced that any Iranian funds unfrozen through sanctions relief or released by the US Treasury will be placed into a Washington-controlled escrow account. Tehran can access these funds to purchase food and medical supplies exclusively from the United States, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that this measure addresses a humanitarian crisis. This development comes as Washington and Tehran negotiate key elements for a lasting peace, following a deal aimed at ending the Middle East war. As part of this deal, Iran is expected to receive some form of sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets. The US Treasury Department temporarily lifted sanctions on Iran on Monday, allowing it to produce, sell, and deliver crude oil and related products through August 21, while negotiations continue.