Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai was taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday.
El Rufai, who is facing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission when security operatives moved him into a waiting vehicle and reportedly transported him to Abuja.
A strong presence of security personnel around the court before the hearing had already raised expectations that such a move could happen. Sources indicated that vehicles were strategically positioned in advance of the proceedings.
The former governor arrived at the court around 9:05 am in a Hilux vehicle, drawing the attention of observers and security officials on the ground.
Speaking after the session, lead defense counsel Oluwole Iyamu confirmed that the court has 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 said.
He also disclosed that the legal team is preparing for another case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter linked to DSS proceedings.
The development follows earlier legal proceedings that included arguments over a motion seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, Rilwan M Aikawa, which was later withdrawn.
El Rufai had previously been arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including abuse of office and fraud.
He has remained entangled in multiple legal battles since February, after being detained by the anti-corruption agency over allegations of financial misconduct. He was briefly released on March 27 on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother, Hajiya Umma El Rufai, who died in Cairo, before returning to custody as court proceedings continued.
