The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified why it denied leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The commission stated on Saturday, May 23rd, that a court order restricted contact with the embattled former governor.
Court order cited as reason for denial
ICPC spokesperson John Odey explained during a press conference that the court directive only permitted access to immediate family members, legal counsel, and medical personnel. This left the commission with no legal basis to admit a party delegation. The ADC had formally requested permission to send a delegation, including former Osun State Governor and Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, to visit El-Rufai at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. However, the commission rejected the request, citing the court's restrictions.
Claims of harassment denied
Odey also refuted allegations that ADC leaders were harassed or intimidated at the commission's premises. He described the security presence at the gate as routine and unrelated to the visit, denying that multiple police vehicles were deployed against the delegation. Armed officers stationed at the facility were part of standard security arrangements, he added. “The court was specific that access is limited to immediate family members, legal counsel, and doctors. We are bound by that order,” Odey said, emphasizing that the commission remained apolitical and was only adhering to the law.
Background on El-Rufai's legal case
El-Rufai is standing trial on nine amended charges related to alleged violations of anti-corruption, procurement, and fraud laws during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. In April 2026, he was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja but was immediately arrested by Department of State Services officers over allegations of phone tapping involving National Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The ADC had accused the ICPC of blocking its leaders and characterized the action as intimidation of opposition figures. Meanwhile, Bello El-Rufai, the former governor's son, insisted that their family remains undaunted by the legal ordeal and warned that nothing must happen to his father while in custody.
