ABUJA — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally defended its decision to deny senior leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who is currently held at the commission’s detention facility.

The refusal, which occurred on Friday, May 22, sparked a sharp rebuke from the ADC. The party accused the anti-graft agency of intimidation, alleging that the arrival of armed police officers during their visit was a show of force aimed at suppressing opposition figures.

Adherence to Judicial Mandates

In a clarification issued shortly after the incident, the ICPC maintained that its actions were procedural and strictly in compliance with a subsisting court order.

John Odey, the commission’s spokesperson, stated that the ICPC had formally replied to a written request from the ADC on May 21, explicitly stating that the visit could not be granted. The commission argued that the court overseeing el-Rufai’s trial has provided a precise list of individuals authorized to visit the defendant.

“The access is limited to the category of his immediate family members, his legal counsel, and his medical doctors,” Odey explained. “Anybody outside that category, we do not have the authority of the court to grant access.”

Tensions Over Security and Access

The ADC delegation which included the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary described the experience as troubling. The party stated that it had provided prior notice for the visit, which was intended to address public concerns regarding the former governor’s well-being and reports of restricted family access.

The party also contested the security presence at the facility, labeling the deployment of police trucks as "unnecessary and disproportionate" to their peaceful mission. However, the ICPC dismissed the allegations of intimidation, noting that police presence at the headquarters is part of routine, ongoing security measures and not a response to the party's visit.

Legal Context

Nasir el-Rufai is currently standing trial before both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court of Nigeria on multiple charges involving alleged fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering during his time as governor from 2015 to 2023.

The commission emphasized that as the courts are "fully seised of the matter," it is obligated to follow the judicial instructions regarding the defendant's custody. The ICPC reiterated that it remains apolitical, asserting that its focus is solely on fulfilling its legal mandate and ensuring the security of the detainee in line with court-sanctioned protocols.