Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is currently facing trial over alleged corruption-related offences filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, was reportedly escorted out of the court premises and driven away in a waiting vehicle said to be heading to Abuja.
Security presence around the court had been noticeably heavy before the hearing, with operatives and vehicles strategically positioned around the premises, fuelling speculation of a possible arrest.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle as proceedings commenced under tight security restrictions.
Following the hearing, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed that the court had adjourned ruling on the bail application until April 14.
He said arguments from both the defence and prosecution had been concluded, expressing optimism ahead of the ruling.
Iyamu also noted that the defence team is preparing for a separate related matter scheduled for hearing on April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The proceedings were marked by tight security, with armed personnel restricting movement and limiting journalists’ access to the courtroom.
