El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.
El-Rufai, who was on trial for alleged corruption, had just finished a hearing on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s bail plea when DSS agents put him in a waiting car and drove him off, allegedly to Abuja.
Before the hearing, there was a significant DSS presence in the courtroom, which encouraged rumours that the former governor might be arrested.
Arriving to the court in a Hilux van at approximately 9:05 a.m., El-Rufai attracted the attention of security guards and onlookers.
Lead defence attorney Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) revealed to reporters following the hearings that the court had scheduled a decision on the bail motion for April 14.
“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.
He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”
The development came after the adjournment on Tuesday, during which legal discussions regarding a move to recuse the sitting judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, briefly confused the proceedings until it was dropped.
El-Rufai and Amadu Sule were previously charged with abuse of power, fraud, and conferring undue benefit before the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo. The Federal High Court case is unrelated to the charges.
Armed agents restricted mobility and prevented media from entering the courthouse throughout Wednesday’s hearings, maintaining stringent security.
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