The development came amid heightened drama on Wednesday, as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took the former governor into custody shortly after the court proceedings.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna State has fixed April 14 to rule on the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following arguments by both the defence and prosecution.
The development came amid heightened drama on Wednesday, as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took the former governor into custody shortly after the court proceedings.
El-Rufai, who is standing trial over alleged corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application when DSS operatives moved in.
He was reportedly bundled into a waiting vehicle and driven away, with sources indicating that he was being transported to Abuja.
Security presence had been noticeably heavy around the court premises prior to the hearing, fuelling speculation about a possible arrest. According to security sources, vehicles were strategically positioned in and around the court complex before proceedings commenced.
El-Rufai arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.
Speaking to journalists after the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had adjourned 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 added.
Iyamu also disclosed that the defence team is 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 said.
SaharaReporters reported that El-Rufai made a closely watched appearance at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday morning as proceedings resumed on his bail application.
El-Rufai was driven into the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. and stepped out of the vehicle conveying him at exactly 9:05 a.m., attracting the gaze of security operatives and a small number of observers present at the venue.
The hearing follows Tuesday’s proceedings, which were stalled after a series of legal manoeuvres by the defence team introduced new developments to the high-profile trial.
A day earlier, the court had adjourned the bail application hearing to Wednesday after proceedings conducted under strict security arrangements. Counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the adjournment but declined to elaborate on the matter.
“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.
Following Tuesday’s session, El-Rufai was escorted out of the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a white Hilux vehicle.
The former governor had earlier returned to court under heavy security for the continuation of proceedings on his bail request, mirroring the atmosphere during his arraignment last week.
El-Rufai is standing trial before Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
