The Department of State Services has taken former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody just minutes after the Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned his bail application ruling to April 14.
El-Rufai was at the court on Wednesday for a hearing on the bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Shortly after proceedings wrapped up, DSS operatives moved in, bundled him into a waiting vehicle, and drove off—reportedly heading to Abuja.
There had been signs of what was to come. A heavy presence of DSS operatives had surrounded the court premises before the hearing even began, sparking speculation that the former governor would not be leaving freely.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, immediately drawing the attention of security agents and onlookers alike.
His lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed to journalists that the court had set April 14 for the ruling on the bail application. He expressed hope in the judiciary and said the defence team remains prepared.
Iyamu also noted that the team is ready for a separate case involving El-Rufai, scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which he described as a matter with the DSS.
The Wednesday proceedings came a day after legal arguments over a recusal motion against the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, briefly stalled the case before the motion was withdrawn.
El-Rufai is already facing separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule, on counts including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Throughout Wednesday’s hearing, security was heavily reinforced, with armed operatives restricting movement and barring journalists from entering the courtroom.
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