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.

El-Rufai, who is standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed in a case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives escorted him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly to Abuja.

A strong presence of DSS operatives around the court before the hearing had earlier fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

Security sources who spoke with Punch disclosed that several vehicles were strategically positioned around the court premises ahead of the proceedings.

El-Rufai arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Security was tight throughout the session, with armed operatives restricting movement around the court complex and preventing journalists from accessing the courtroom.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“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 said.

Iyamu also disclosed that the defence team was preparing for another case involving the former governor 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.

The development followed Tuesday’s adjournment of proceedings after legal arguments over a motion seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, briefly complicated the hearing, which was later withdrawn.

Earlier, El-Rufai had also been arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

Those charges are separate from the case currently before the Federal High Court.