El-Rufai rearrested by DSS as court fixes April 14 for bail ruling

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By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, KADUNA

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The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has scheduled April 14 for ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

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Speaking after proceedings, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Mr Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), expressed cautious optimism.

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“My name is Oluwole Iyamu; I am a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I lead the defence team for Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu said.

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“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.

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On another front, Iyamu confirmed that the legal team is fully prepared for a separate matter scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as a “DSS matter”.

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However, in a dramatic turn of events, El-Rufai was immediately re-arrested within the court premises by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Eyewitnesses reported that DSS personnel, who had maintained a heavy presence around the court, swiftly took custody of the former governor moments after the proceedings.

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The Federal High Court had on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Wednesday. El-Rufai was earlier removed from the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a white Hilux vehicle.

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Meanwhile, at a separate Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on Tuesday, El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule were arraigned on allegations including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

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The ICPC instituted the charges, which are distinct from the matters before the Federal High Court. Following the State High Court proceedings, El-Rufai was moved to the Federal High Court located on the same premises.

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