Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after attending a court session in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The incident happened moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court, where his legal team had just argued a bail application filed in response to charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Before he could leave the court premises, security operatives moved in and escorted him into a waiting vehicle, which reportedly headed out of the state.

There had been noticeable security buildup around the court earlier in the day, raising quiet concerns about a possible arrest. Several security vehicles were stationed within and around the premises even before the hearing began, while movement was tightly controlled throughout.

Speaking after the session, defence lawyer Oluwole Iyamu said the court has fixed April 14 to decide on the bail request, expressing confidence in the arguments presented. He added that the legal team is also preparing for another case involving El-Rufai scheduled to come up in Abuja in the coming days.

Wednesday’s development follows a brief delay in proceedings the previous day after a motion involving the trial judge surfaced but was later withdrawn, allowing the case to continue.

El-Rufai is currently facing multiple legal battles, including a separate case at the Kaduna State High Court where he has been accused of abuse of office and related offences.