Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) 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 currently standing trial over alleged corruption charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), had just concluded a hearing on his bail application when DSS operatives escorted him into a waiting vehicle and drove off, reportedly towards Abuja.
The development followed a court session in which arguments were presented both for and against his bail. His legal team had sought his release pending the determination of the case, while prosecutors opposed the application.
There had been a noticeable presence of DSS operatives around the court premises prior to the hearing, raising speculation among observers that the former governor might be taken into custody. The heavy security deployment added to tensions as the proceedings unfolded.
El-Rufai had earlier arrived at the court at approximately 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, drawing attention from both security personnel and members of the public present at the venue.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court had adjourned the matter and fixed 14 April for ruling on the bail application.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu stated.
The circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s immediate transfer into DSS custody remain unclear, particularly as the court is yet to rule on his bail request. Legal analysts suggest that the move may be connected to ongoing investigations or procedural considerations tied to the charges against him.
The case continues to attract significant public and political attention, given El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigerian politics and his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. The outcome of the bail ruling is expected to shape the next phase of the trial.
