Nasir El-Rufai Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday detained former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shortly after proceedings concluded at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), when DSS operatives moved in, escorted him into a waiting vehicle, and drove off—reportedly en route to Abuja.
A heavy security presence had been deployed around the court premises ahead of the hearing, fuelling speculation about a possible arrest. Security sources indicated that multiple vehicles were strategically positioned in anticipation of the development.
The former governor arrived at the court at approximately 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of security personnel and observers.
Speaking to journalists after the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had reserved 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.”
Iyamu also disclosed that the defence team is preparing for a separate case involving El-Rufai scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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“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 latest development follows Tuesday’s adjournment, during which proceedings were briefly disrupted by legal arguments over a motion requesting the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself. The motion was later withdrawn.
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Security remained tight throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, with armed operatives restricting movement within the court premises and denying journalists access to the courtroom.
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