Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday apprehended former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shortly after the conclusion of proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is being prosecuted over alleged corruption, had just finished arguing his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when security personnel escorted him into a waiting vehicle said to be heading toward Abuja.
The court premises had witnessed a heavy deployment of DSS operatives ahead of the session, sparking expectations that the ex-governor could be detained. Sources indicated that security vehicles were positioned at strategic points before the hearing began.
The former governor arrived at the venue around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, drawing the attention of security officials and onlookers.
Speaking with journalists after the hearing, defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, disclosed that the court had adjourned ruling on the bail application until April 14.
He expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that the defence team had presented its case and would await the court’s verdict.
Iyamu further revealed that the legal team was set for another proceeding involving the DSS slated for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter entirely.
The latest development comes a day after proceedings were briefly disrupted by a motion seeking the withdrawal of the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, which was eventually withdrawn.
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and alleged undue advantage, in a case separate from the ongoing Federal High Court trial.
Security was tight throughout Wednesday’s session, as armed operatives restricted movement within the court premises and barred journalists from accessing the courtroom.
