The DSS detained El-Rufai following a court indictment by the ICPC

Department of State Services (DSS) operatives on Wednesday detained former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai shortly after a hearing at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who was facing corruption charges – brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) – when DSS agents entered, escorted him into a waiting vehicle and reportedly headed for Abuja.

The presence of heavily armed DSS personnel around the courthouse before the trial has fueled speculation about possible arrests. Security sources indicated that several vehicles were strategically placed around the site before the trial.

The former governor arrived at the court at around 09.05 in a Hilux van, attracting the attention of security officers and onlookers.

After the hearing, the principal defense counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed that the court had postponed the decision on the bail application until April 14.

“A bail application has been submitted and responded to, and a decision has been set for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are full of hope. We have presented our arguments to the court, and this is the court.

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“We are waiting for the court’s decision,” he added.

Iyamu also revealed that the legal team was preparing for another case involving his client, scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, and described it as having nothing to do with the proceedings in Kaduna.

“That’s a separate matter. We as lawyers are ready. We have submitted all the processes and will go to court. That’s a DSS matter,” he said.

Wednesday’s developments came a day after the trial was briefly halted due to legal arguments over a motion asking the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself—a motion that was ultimately withdrawn.

El-Rufai was previously arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including abuse of office, fraud and providing undue advantage.

Security remained tight throughout the trial, with armed officers restricting movement around the court and barring journalists from gaining access to the courtroom.