The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified that it refused a request by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to visit former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai due to a court order restricting access to persons in its custody.
Background of the Detention
El-Rufai has been held by the ICPC since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. The former governor was indicted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 2024 for alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering. He was arraigned before the Kaduna High Court on April 13, 2026, on an amended nine-count charge of fraud and abuse of office.
ADC Delegation Denied Access
The ADC claimed that a delegation led by former Osun State governor and party National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, along with Salihu Lukman, was prevented from seeing el-Rufai despite prior communication with the commission. The party alleged that heavy security deployment created a tense atmosphere.
ICPC Response
ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey dismissed the allegations, stating that the commission formally declined the request in a letter dated May 21, 2026. “We wrote them an official letter declining their request to visit. The reasons are in the letter. The category of persons we are to give access is clear in the court order,” Odey said.
The letter, signed by Director of Operations S. Yahaya, noted that el-Rufai remains before both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court in Kaduna. “The court has granted access to the defendant to his family, doctors and counsel. These are the only category of persons granted access to see the defendant in the Commission’s custody. Consequently, the application cannot be granted,” the letter read.
Previous Allegations
This development follows accusations by Mohammed Bello, el-Rufai’s son, that ICPC operatives denied his father access to medical and family care despite a court order. The ICPC previously dismissed those claims as false.
Odey also rejected ADC’s intimidation claims, explaining that police officers at the facility were part of routine security arrangements.
