Nasir El-Rufai DSS detention follows Kaduna court bail hearing as operatives take former governor into custody amid corruption trial proceedings
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, following a bail hearing in his ongoing corruption trial.
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The dramatic development unfolded moments after the court session, where El-Rufai’s bail application was heard in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Security operatives, who had earlier mounted a heavy presence around the court premises, moved in immediately after proceedings and escorted the former governor into a waiting vehicle, reportedly heading towards Abuja.
The Nasir El-Rufai DSS detention came amid heightened tension, as security arrangements around the court had already sparked speculation about a possible arrest.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that El-Rufai arrived at the court earlier in the day under tight security, drawing attention from operatives and observers present at the venue.
Following the hearing, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application, noting that arguments had been fully presented.
Legal proceedings also referenced a separate matter scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which the defence team described as distinct from the Kaduna case.
Security remained strict throughout the hearing, with armed personnel restricting movement and limiting journalists’ access to the courtroom.
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The case continues to draw national attention as legal and political observers monitor developments around the former governor’s trial.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
