DSS takes El-Rufai into custody after court session, bail ruling set for April 14

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday detained former Nasir El-Rufai shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who is facing corruption charges, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application—filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission—when DSS operatives moved in, escorting him into a waiting vehicle reportedly bound for Abuja.

The presence of heavily armed DSS personnel around the court premises prior to the hearing had already sparked speculation about a possible arrest. Security sources indicated that multiple vehicles were strategically stationed around the venue ahead of proceedings.

The former governor arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, attracting attention from both security operatives and onlookers.

Following the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed that the court had reserved ruling on the bail application until 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,” he added.

Iyamu also disclosed that the legal team is preparing for another case involving his client, scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as unrelated to the Kaduna proceedings.

“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.

Wednesday’s development comes a day after proceedings were briefly stalled due to legal arguments over a motion requesting the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself—a motion that was eventually withdrawn.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 the hearing, with armed operatives restricting movement around the court and barring journalists from gaining access to the courtroom.