The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly taken former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai into custody in Abuja, despite existing court orders granting him bail. Family members and supporters gathered outside the DSS headquarters on Monday evening to protest what they described as a flagrant violation of judicial directives.
Family Alleges Breach of Court Orders
According to reports, el-Rufai appeared before Justice Joyce AbdulMalik at the Federal High Court earlier that day. While the court granted him bail, a dispute erupted between security agencies over where he should be held during the transition. The family claims that two separate orders from a Kaduna court mandated his remand with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Wife Expresses Fear and Intimidation
Hasiat el-Rufai, the former governor’s wife, told reporters that the family has been living in constant anxiety. She described a pattern of surveillance and intimidation throughout her husband’s 91-day detention. She alleged that during a court break, officials attempted to move el-Rufai to a DSS facility against his will. According to her, el-Rufai refused to comply, stating: “I am not going to step down because there are two court orders that the Kaduna court gave that I should be remanded in ICPC. Why are you bringing me here? I am not a furniture to be moved.”
Legal Tussle Over Custody
The situation grew more complex after the afternoon court session. Although the prosecution requested an adjournment, the family alleged that el-Rufai was taken to the DSS instead of being returned to the ICPC. This occurred despite the judge suggesting that the two agencies coordinate on his placement. The family also raised health concerns, claiming that el-Rufai was denied access to his private doctors, even after the ICPC’s medical staff recommended further testing. They argued that this violated an earlier ruling by Justice Aikawa of the Kaduna State High Court.
Son Criticizes Bail Conditions
Hon. Bello el-Rufai, the former governor’s son and a member of the House of Representatives, characterized the legal process as a political vendetta. He criticized the bail requirements as intentionally prohibitive, questioning the logic of requiring a level 17 civil servant with multi-million naira property in Abuja to serve as a surety. He noted that such conditions are nearly impossible to meet.
Political Motives Alleged
Senator Lawal Adamu of Kaduna Central supported this view, pointing out that el-Rufai had voluntarily returned from Cairo to face inquiries. He described the treatment as psychological harassment. Dr. Uche Dialla of the el-Rufai Support Group Association argued that shuttling the former governor between agencies without his belongings amounts to psychological torture under international conventions. Late reports indicated that el-Rufai was returned to the ICPC later that evening following a meeting between legal teams.
Background and Political Context
Earlier reports indicated that el-Rufai is not contesting any elective position in the 2027 election. Instead, he is focused on mobilizing against President Tinubu’s second-term agenda. A source close to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar revealed that el-Rufai is interested in sending Tinubu and his supporters back to Lagos.
