News reports that El-Rufai was brought into the court premises at about 8:55 a.m. on Monday under heavy security escort by armed DSS operatives.

Following his arrival, security agents cordoned off the court environment, creating tension among journalists, court staff, and members of the public who had gathered for proceedings.

Access to the court was reportedly restricted, as journalists, staff, and other court users were initially barred from entering the premises.

The situation triggered a brief protest by some affected individuals, who insisted that the court is a public institution and should remain accessible to citizens observing legal proceedings.

Leading the protest, activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, criticised the restriction, arguing that no Nigerian should be denied access to a public court without lawful justification.

He maintained that courts should remain open to journalists and members of the public unless a valid court order states otherwise.

A source within the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), who spoke anonymously, said DSS operatives arrived at the commission’s facility around 7:00 a.m. to take custody of the former governor for arraignment.

The source clarified that the ICPC is not handling the case, stressing that it is solely being prosecuted by the DSS.

“Yes, the ongoing case in court is not our case. They (DSS operatives) came to pick him here at about 7:00 am in order to arraign him in court,” the source said.

Security presence around the Federal High Court was significantly heightened as proceedings continued.

The heavy DSS deployment drew attention from lawyers, litigants, and visitors, many of whom experienced delays in accessing the court premises.

El-Rufai’s reappearance in court is tied to the ongoing case involving the alleged tapping of the NSA’s phone.

Further details of the charges and the court’s ruling were still being awaited at the time of filing this report.