The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained why it declined a request by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to visit former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, stating that the decision was based on an existing court order governing access to the detainee.
The ADC had accused the anti-graft agency of intimidation following what it described as the deployment of heavily armed police officers when its delegation was denied access to el-Rufai at a detention facility in Abuja on Friday.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19 over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
He was temporarily released on March 28 to attend his mother’s funeral.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, and recommended investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
On April 13, 2026, the ICPC arraigned el-Rufai at the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
The ADC alleged that its delegation, led by former Osun State governor and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and Salihu Lukman, was denied access despite prior communication and formal requests.
The party also claimed that tension rose after multiple truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the facility.
However, ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the commission followed due legal procedure.
According to him, the agency communicated its decision in an official letter dated May 21, 2026, which was acknowledged the following day.
“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.
In a letter signed by S. Yahaya, Director of Operations, the ICPC stated that el-Rufai is facing trial before both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
Although the former governor is in custody by court order, the agency said the courts remain fully seized of the matter.
“The court has granted access to the defendant to his family, doctors and counsel,” the letter read.
“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 commission added that its actions are guided strictly by judicial directives.
Odey also rejected claims of intimidation, explaining that the presence of police officers at the facility was part of routine security arrangements rather than an extraordinary measure.
