In a commando-like operation, heavily-armed
operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday, seized and whisked away former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
El-Rufai was picked ahead of his case with the DSS on April 10, 2026 in a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The former governor, who is facing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) when DSS operatives whisked him into a waiting vehicle and drove off.
A source said he was being taken to Abuja.
Before the drama, the Federal High Court in Kaduna had fixed April 14 for ruling in the bail application filed by El-Rufai.
Mr Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), who led the defence team, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after the court proceedings .
Newsmen were not allowed into the courtroom to cover the day’s proceedings.
Iyamu said the bail application had been argued by both parties and the court subsequently 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,” he said.
The senior advocate expressed optimism that the court would deliver a fair decision.
“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.
On a separate matter scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Iyamu said the defence team is prepared.
“That’s a separate one. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed the necessary papers and we will be there,” he said, noting that the case involved the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court on Tuesday had adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by El-Rufai, until Wednesday.
The adjournment followed proceedings that took place under tight security, reflecting heightened public interest in the high-profile corruption trial.
El-Rufai is 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.
