Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai was taken into custody by the Department of State Services on Wednesday, immediately following a Federal High Court session in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption charges, had just finished arguments on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives escorted him into a waiting vehicle, reportedly headed for Abuja.
A strong DSS presence around the courthouse ahead of the hearing had already sparked speculation that El-Rufai might be detained. Security sources said multiple vehicles were strategically positioned to ensure a swift operation.
The former governor arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of both security personnel and onlookers.
After the hearing, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court has set April 14 for the ruling on the bail application.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14. We are hopeful. We have presented our arguments, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” Iyamu said.
He added that the defence team is also ready for a related case at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 10, describing it as a separate matter.
“That is a separate matter. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.
