The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally turned down a request by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to visit former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in its custody.
The commission’s decision follows complaints by the ADC after some of its top members were reportedly denied access to El-Rufai on Friday.
Those affected included former Osun State governor and ADC leader, Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s National Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman, Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee.
The party had earlier written to ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, seeking permission to visit El-Rufai, citing concerns allegedly raised by his family over access to food and medical care.
In a strongly worded reaction before the commission’s response, the ADC accused authorities of intimidation and political persecution, warning that it could mobilise supporters nationwide if access to the former governor continued to be blocked.
However, the ICPC, in a letter addressed to Aregbesola, said the request could not be approved because El-Rufai’s detention conditions were already guided by court orders.
The letter, signed on behalf of the chairman by the commission’s Director of Operations, S. Yahaya, explained that El-Rufai is facing trial before both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
According to the commission, although the former governor is being held in ICPC custody, his detention is based on orders issued by the courts handling the cases.
The letter stated that the courts had already specified the categories of people permitted to see him.
“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is standing trial before two courts… Though the defendant is in the Commission’s custody by order of both courts, the court is fully seized of the matter,” the commission said.
It added that only El-Rufai’s family members, doctors and legal representatives had been granted access while in custody.
“Consequently, the application cannot be granted,” the letter concluded.
The latest development comes amid growing political tension surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention, with opposition figures questioning the circumstances of his custody while anti-graft authorities maintain they are acting strictly within the law and under judicial supervision.
