Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody shortly after a court session at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is currently facing corruption-related charges, had just finished proceedings on his bail application in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Moments after the hearing, DSS officials escorted him out of the court premises and into a vehicle, reportedly transporting him to Abuja.
The heavy deployment of DSS personnel around the courthouse earlier in the day had already sparked speculation about a possible arrest.
According to security sources who spoke with Punch, multiple vehicles and operatives were strategically stationed around the area ahead of the proceedings.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing significant attention from both security agents and onlookers.
Throughout the hearing, security remained tight, with armed officers restricting movement within the court complex and limiting media access to the courtroom.
Addressing journalists after the session, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court has scheduled April 14 for a ruling on the bail application.
“We have presented our arguments, and the prosecution has responded.
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The court will deliver its ruling on April 14. We remain optimistic and trust the judicial process,” he said.
Iyamu also noted that the defence team is preparing for another legal matter involving El-Rufai, set for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate case involving the DSS.
The latest development follows Tuesday’s adjournment, which was briefly disrupted by legal arguments over a motion seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa.
The motion was eventually withdrawn, allowing proceedings to continue.
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In a separate development, El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and granting undue advantage.
Those allegations are distinct from the case currently before the Federal High Court.