A Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who was taken into custody by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission shortly after court proceedings on Wednesday.
El-Rufai, who is facing trial over alleged corruption-related offences, had just concluded arguments on his bail application when he was escorted from the court premises and driven away in a waiting vehicle, reportedly bound for Abuja.
A heavy security presence around the court ahead of the hearing had already fuelled speculation that the former governor could be taken into custody after the session.
El-Rufai arrived at the court complex at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing the attention of security operatives, legal observers, and journalists gathered at the venue.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, lead defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed that the court had reserved its ruling on the bail request for April 14.
“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 was prepared for another matter involving El-Rufai scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which he described as a separate case.
“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.
Wednesday’s proceedings followed a tense session on Tuesday, when legal arguments were briefly complicated by a motion seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa. The motion was later withdrawn, allowing the matter to proceed.
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule, on separate charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Those charges are distinct from the matter currently before the Federal High Court, underscoring the multiple legal challenges facing the former governor.
The latest development marks another major twist in the widening legal scrutiny surrounding one of Nigeria’s most high-profile former state leaders.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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