El-Rufai, who is standing trial over alleged corruption, had just finished a hearing on his bail application, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), when DSS operatives escorted him into a waiting vehicle reportedly heading to Abuja.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is standing trial over alleged corruption, had just finished a hearing on his bail application, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), when DSS operatives escorted him into a waiting vehicle reportedly heading to Abuja.
A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had sparked speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.
Security sources confirmed that vehicles were strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of both security personnel and onlookers.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.
We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” he said.
Iyamu also noted that the defence team is ready for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”
“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he added.
The development follows Tuesday’s adjournment, when proceedings were briefly complicated by legal exchanges over a motion requesting the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself—a motion that was later withdrawn.
El-Rufai had previously been arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
These charges are separate from the Federal High Court case.
Security remained tight throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, with armed operatives controlling movement and restricting journalists’ access to the courtroom.
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