The invention is directed to a process for the removal of contaminating sulfur compounds, more in particular thiophenic sulfur compounds, from hydrocarbon feedstocks, said process comprising contacting the feedstock in the presence of hydrogen with a sulfided nickel adsorbent, of which adsorbent the rate constant for tetralin hydrogenation activity at 150° C. is less than 0.01 l/s.g cat and wherein in said adsorbent part of the nickel is present in the metallic form.