Department of State Services (DSS) operatives took former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody on Wednesday immediately following his appearance at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is facing corruption charges brought by the ICPC, was whisked away to Abuja shortly after his bail hearing concluded.
The arrest followed a morning of high tension, as a heavy security presence and strategically positioned vehicles signaled a likely detention.
El-Rufai had arrived at the court at 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van.
Lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) later confirmed to the press that the court has scheduled the ruling on the bail application for April 14.
“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.
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over a motion for the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself briefly complicated proceedings before being withdrawn.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 previously arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule, on separate charges of fraud, abuse of office, and conferring undue advantage.
These state-level proceedings remain distinct from the current Federal High Court case.
Throughout Wednesday’s session, security was strictly enforced; armed operatives restricted all movement and barred journalists from entering the courtroom.
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