Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai was detained by DSS operatives on Monday right after his court appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

His family says the move goes against existing court directives that ordered he should remain with the ICPC. Speaking outside the DSS office, his wife Hasiat el-Rufai stated that security agencies ignored two separate orders from a Kaduna court which stated he should stay in ICPC custody.

According to her, Justice Joyce AbdulMalik had granted him bail during the morning hearing. While court was on break, DSS officials reportedly tried to take him to their facility, but he refused. After the afternoon session, the family claimed another attempt was made to move him.

Hasiat also said the family has been living under pressure since his arrest, alleging constant threats, surveillance, and claims that their phones are being monitored.

The charges against el-Rufai reportedly relate to the alleged tapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone, but details are still sketchy. The case has attracted public attention, with protests outside the court over limited access.

As of Monday night, the DSS had not responded publicly to the family’s claims.