DSS detains El-Rufai

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, 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 escorted him into a waiting vehicle, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court prior to the hearing had fueled speculation that the former governor might be detained. Security sources confirmed that vehicles were strategically positioned around the court before proceedings began. El-Rufai arrived at the court at approximately 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, attracting attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) 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.

Iyamu also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter. “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 added.

The development followed Tuesday’s adjournment, during which legal exchanges over a motion for the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself briefly complicated proceedings before being withdrawn.

El-Rufai was earlier arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Those charges are separate from the Federal High Court case.