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.
Speaking after proceedings, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Mr Oluwole Iyamu SAN, expressed cautious optimism.
“My name is Oluwole Iyamu; I am a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I lead the defense 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.
“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.
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”.
Also Read: Court adjourns El Rufai case till March 31
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. 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.
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 in a white Hilux vehicle.
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.
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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