Operatives of the Division of State Companies (DSS) on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody shortly after proceedings on the Federal Excessive Court docket in Kaduna.
The transfer adopted a listening to on his bail software in an ongoing corruption case.
El-Rufai, who’s dealing with trial over alleged {financial} misconduct, had simply concluded arguments on his bail request when DSS officers moved in.
He was escorted out of the court docket premises underneath tight safety and brought right into a ready automobile. Sources stated he was instantly transported to Abuja.
Safety presence across the court docket was unusually heavy earlier than the listening to started. A number of DSS automobiles have been seen stationed at strategic factors inside and outdoors the premises. This raised early issues amongst observers and journalists that an arrest may occur.
The previous governor arrived on the court docket round 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van. His presence drew consideration from each safety brokers and members of the general public who had gathered to observe the case.
Proceedings went on as scheduled, with each prosecution and defence presenting arguments on the bail software.
Talking after the session, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court docket has reserved ruling on the bail request till April 14.
“The bail software was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been mounted for April 14. We look ahead to that day. We’re hopeful. We’ve put our arguments earlier than the court docket, and it is a court docket of justice. We await the choice of the court docket,” he stated.
Iyamu additionally addressed one other case involving his consumer. He defined {that a} separate matter has been scheduled for April 10 on the Federal Excessive Court docket in Abuja.
“That may be a separate matter. As attorneys, we’re prepared. We’ve filed all mandatory processes and might be in court docket. That’s the DSS matter,” he added.
The most recent improvement comes a day after proceedings have been briefly stalled as a consequence of authorized arguments over a movement asking the presiding decide, Rilwan M. Aikawa, to step down from the case. The problem was later resolved after the movement was withdrawn, permitting the listening to to proceed.
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned earlier than the Kaduna State Excessive Court docket in Kawo alongside Amadu Sule. They’re dealing with costs bordering on abuse of workplace, fraud, and granting undue benefit. That case is separate from the continuing trial on the Federal Excessive Court docket.