Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday took former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court Kaduna.
El-Rufai, who is facing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application when he was escorted into a waiting vehicle and driven away, reportedly bound for Abuja.
Security presence around the court had been noticeably heavy prior to the hearing, sparking speculation about a possible arrest. He arrived at the court premises around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, attracting attention from security operatives and observers.
Speaking after the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed that the court has scheduled April 14 for its ruling on the bail request.
“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 added.
Iyamu also disclosed that the defence team is ready for another case involving El-Rufai, set for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter.
“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 said.
The latest development follows Tuesday’s adjournment, where legal arguments over a motion asking the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to step aside briefly disrupted proceedings before the request was withdrawn.
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage—charges that are separate from the case before the Federal High Court.
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