By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) detained former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday, moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The former governor, who is facing corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was taken into custody immediately following a hearing on his bail application. Witnesses reported that security agents bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove off toward Abuja.
The detention came shortly after the court adjourned ruling on the bail application until April 14. Lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed the new date while speaking to journalists after the session.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu said. “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 noted that the defence team is also preparing for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. “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.
A heavy DSS presence had been observed around the court premises prior to the hearing, with security sources confirming that vehicles had been strategically positioned ahead of the proceedings. El-Rufai had arrived at the court at approximately 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of security personnel and onlookers.
As of the time of this report, the DSS had not issued an official statement regarding the former governor’s detention.
