By Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
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, which fixed April 14 for ruling on his bail application.
The court had earlier heard arguments from both the prosecution and defence before adjourning the matter for ruling.
Lead counsel to the former governor, Mr Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), who addressed journalists after the session, confirmed that the bail application had been fully argued.
“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu said.
“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 matter involving the DSS 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,” he said.
Shortly after the court session, DSS operatives, who maintained a heavy security presence around the premises, moved in and took custody of El-Rufai.
The Federal High Court had on Tuesday adjourned hearing of the bail application to Wednesday.
Earlier, the former governor had been escorted from the court premises by officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
On Tuesday, El-Rufai was also arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges.
At the state court, he was docked alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The charges filed by the ICPC are distinct from those before the Federal High Court.
Following proceedings at the State High Court, the anti-corruption agency subsequently moved him to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of legal processes.
