Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Wednesday taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after a court session at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where arguments on his bail application were heard.
El-Rufai, who is currently facing corruption-related charges, had just concluded proceedings on a bail application filed in response to the case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Moments after the court session ended, DSS operatives reportedly moved in and escorted the former governor into a waiting vehicle before leaving the court premises.
Sources said the security team drove him away from the court complex, reportedly en route to Abuja, shortly after the hearing.
Earlier, the presence of a large number of DSS operatives around the court premises had raised speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody after the proceedings.
Security sources indicated that DSS vehicles had been stationed at strategic points around the court before the hearing began, signalling preparations for possible action following the session.
El-Rufai arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, attracting the attention of security personnel and observers present at the venue.
Speaking with journalists after the hearing, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 to rule on the bail application.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the court has adjourned to April 14 for ruling,” Iyamu said.
“We remain hopeful and confident. Our submissions have been placed before the court, and we are awaiting the court’s decision.”
The senior advocate also disclosed that the defence team is preparing for another court appearance involving El-Rufai scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate case linked to the DSS.
“That matter is separate. As lawyers, we are fully prepared. We have filed all the necessary processes and will appear in court,” he stated.
The latest development followed Tuesday’s adjournment of proceedings, which was briefly complicated by legal arguments over a motion seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa.
However, the motion was later withdrawn, allowing the case to continue.
El-Rufai is also facing separate criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo, where he was earlier arraigned alongside Amadu Sule.
The charges in that case include abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage, which are distinct from the case currently before the Federal High Court.
Security around the court complex remained tight throughout the proceedings, with several armed operatives stationed within and outside the premises.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application on April 14, while related legal proceedings continue in both Kaduna and Abuja.