BREAKING: DSS takes El-Rufai into custody as Court adjourns bail hearing to April 14

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody shortly after he concluded a hearing on his bail application at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who is standing trial on alleged corruption charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was escorted into a waiting vehicle by DSS personnel and reportedly driven to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence at the court prior to the hearing had fueled speculation about the former governor’s possible detention. Security sources revealed that vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court ahead of proceedings.

El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of both security operatives and observers.

Lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed to journalists that the court had fixed April 14 for a 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,” Iyamu said.

He 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 Wednesday development followed Tuesday’s adjournment, which saw proceedings briefly complicated by a motion requesting the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself—a motion that was later withdrawn.

Earlier, El-Rufai had been arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule, facing charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Those state-level charges are distinct from his Federal High Court case.

Security remained tight throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, with armed operatives controlling movement around the court and restricting media access to the courtroom.