The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained why it denied leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, citing an existing court order that limits visitation rights.
The ADC had earlier accused the anti-graft agency of intimidation, alleging a heavy presence of armed police officers when its delegation visited the detention facility in Abuja on Friday.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations relating to financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. He was later granted temporary leave in March to attend a family burial.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over alleged diversion of public funds and money laundering, prompting further investigations by anti-corruption agencies. He was also arraigned in April 2026 on multiple counts of fraud and abuse of office.
The ADC, through its national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed its delegation led by party leaders was denied access despite prior communication and formal requests, adding that the environment at the facility became tense due to increased security presence.
However, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey dismissed the allegations, stating that the agency acted strictly in line with a court directive governing access to the detainee.
According to the Commission, only El-Rufai’s family members, legal representatives, and medical personnel are permitted visitation while he remains in custody, as stipulated by the court handling the case.
The ICPC maintained that its decision was legally grounded and communicated officially in a letter rejecting the ADC’s request.
