ICPC, not DSS behind el-Rufai’s latest arrest as court fixes date for bail ruling

Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Wednesday seized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai and took him into their custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Thete were reports that el-Rufai was picked ahead of his case with the ICPC on April 14, 2026 in Abuja. He has a case with the DSS on April 10.

el-Rufai, who is facing trial for alleged corruption, had just concluded hearing on his bail application filed by the ICPC when Officials of the commission who were mistaken for DSS operatives, whisked him into a waiting vehicle and drove off, reportedly towards Abuja.

Following an erroneous media report, the Director of DSS in Kaduna State had purportedly reacted in a social media post thus: “Na lie o. ICPC took him [el-Rufai.”

The heavy deployment of security personnel around the court ahead of the sitting had earlier sparked speculation that the former governor might be arrested, with security vehicles seen strategically stationed within the court premises.

The defendant arrived about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, attracting the attention of security operatives and onlookers.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had reserved ruling on the bail application up till April 14.

He said the application had been fully argued, expressing optimism that the court would deliver a favourable decision.

Iyamu also disclosed that the defence team was prepared for another case involving the DSS scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a separate matter.

The development followed Tuesday’s proceedings, which were briefly stalled by arguments over a motion asking the presiding judge, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself.

The motion was later withdrawn.

el-Rufai had earlier been arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo alongside one Amadu Sule on separate charges bordering on abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

Security was tightened in and around the premises of the court throughout Wednesday’s hearing, as armed operatives restricted movement and barred journalists from gaining access to the courtroom.