El-Rufai Taken Into DSS Custody After Kaduna Court Hearing as Bail Decision Is Fixed for April 14

Kaduna, Nigeria

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Wednesday taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who is currently facing 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 security operatives moved in.

Witnesses said DSS personnel, who had maintained a heavy presence around the court premises ahead of the sitting, escorted the former governor into a waiting vehicle immediately after the session and drove off, reportedly towards Abuja.

The development followed heightened anticipation over his possible re-arrest, as the noticeable deployment of security operatives earlier in the day had sparked speculation among observers and supporters.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from both security agents and members of the public present at the venue.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that arguments on the bail application had been concluded.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu said.

The case continues to draw national attention as legal proceedings unfold, with the next major development expected when the court delivers its ruling on the bail request.