The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified why leaders of the African Democratic Congress were refused access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in its custody.
According to the commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the court order governing visitation rights to the detained former governor is limited strictly to family members, legal representatives, and medical doctors. He explained that political associates and party officials were not included in the approved categories.
The clarification followed complaints from senior members of the African Democratic Congress, including Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman, who were reportedly denied access during a visit to the ICPC headquarters.
The commission also questioned the party’s legal standing in relation to the visitation request, insisting that access rights are strictly defined under the court’s directive.
The situation has added to ongoing controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, which has drawn public attention and political reactions.
The Federal High Court in Abuja previously granted El-Rufai bail under strict conditions, including a N100 million bond, a surety residing in specific districts of the Federal Capital Territory, and additional verification requirements tied to property ownership and employment status.
Further conditions require the submission of official attestation documents and verification from relevant authorities as part of the bail arrangement.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by El-Rufai’s family regarding alleged restrictions on medical access and visitation rights. His wife claimed that both his doctor and family members were denied entry at different times, despite what she described as court-approved access.
