The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took into custody Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday.
El-Rufai, who is on trial for alleged corruption, had just completed a hearing on his bail plea when he was bundled into a waiting vehicle and whisked away, reportedly to Abuja.
A large security presence around the court before the hearing fueled rumors that the former governor would be arrested.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, garnering the attention of security officers and observers.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 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.
He also mentioned 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.”
“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 development came after Tuesday’s adjournment, when legal arguments over a move for the sitting judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself briefly complicated proceedings before being dropped.
El-Rufai and Amadu Sule were previously tried in the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo on allegations of abuse of power, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. These charges are apart from the Federal High Court case.
