Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Wednesday taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after attending proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where arguments on his bail application were concluded.
El-Rufai, who is facing corruption allegations, had appeared before the court in connection with a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). After the hearing ended, DSS operatives reportedly escorted him out of the court premises and placed him in a waiting vehicle.
Witnesses said the security operatives immediately drove him away from the court complex, with indications that he was being moved to Abuja.
The arrest came amid heavy deployment of DSS personnel around the court premises, a development that had earlier triggered speculation that the former governor might be detained after the session.
Security sources said several DSS vehicles had been positioned around the court well before the proceedings began.
El-Rufai arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, drawing attention from security officials and observers gathered within the court environment.
Following the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed to journalists that the court had reserved its ruling on the bail application until April 14.
“The bail application was argued by both sides, and the court has fixed April 14 for ruling,” Iyamu said.
“We have presented our arguments and we are hopeful. We will await the court’s decision on that date.”
The defence lawyer also disclosed that the legal team is preparing for another case involving El-Rufai scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter connected to the DSS.
“That is a different matter entirely. As counsel, we are prepared and have filed all the necessary processes. We will be in court on that day,” he said.
Wednesday’s proceedings followed an earlier adjournment on Tuesday, when arguments briefly arose over a motion asking the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, to step down from the case.
The request was eventually withdrawn, allowing the court to proceed with hearing the bail application.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is also facing separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo, where he was previously arraigned alongside Amadu Sule.
The charges in that case include abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage, and are distinct from the matter currently before the Federal High Court.
Security remained tight throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, with armed operatives stationed within and around the court complex.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail request on April 14, as the former governor’s legal battles continue across multiple courts.
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