By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a dramatic turn of events, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took into custody former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, shortly after court proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Eyewitness accounts described the operation as swift and heavily coordinated, with armed DSS personnel escorting the former governor into a waiting vehicle immediately after the hearing and driving off to an undisclosed location.
A source familiar with the development indicated that he was being transported to Abuja.
El-Rufai had just concluded proceedings on his bail application in a case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is facing trial over alleged corruption.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna had earlier fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application, following arguments presented by both the defence and prosecution.
Speaking to journalists after the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the application had been fully argued and adjourned for ruling.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling on that bail has been fixed for the 14th of April,” Iyamu said, expressing confidence in the judicial process.
“Any lawyer will be hopeful. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We look forward to the decision of the court,” he added.
The senior advocate also disclosed that the defence team was prepared for a separate matter involving the DSS scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, noting that all necessary filings had been completed.
Proceedings at the Kaduna court were conducted under tight security, with journalists barred from gaining access to the courtroom, underscoring the high public interest surrounding the case.
The matter had initially been adjourned from Tuesday to Wednesday to allow for continuation of arguments on the bail application.
El-Rufai is currently standing trial before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
