Operatives of the Department of State Services 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 concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives took him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.
A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.
Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings. El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 am in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, 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 added.
He also noted that the defence team is prepared 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 said.
The development followed Tuesday’s adjournment, when legal exchanges over a motion for the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself briefly complicated proceedings before being withdrawn.
El-Rufai was earlier arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud and conferring undue advantage. Those charges are separate from the Federal High Court case.
The former governor has been in and out of custody since February following his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of financial misconduct.
He was granted temporary release on March 27 on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died in Cairo.
After the burial, which took place in Abuja, he returned to custody as proceedings in the cases against him continued.
