Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer for helping one of the wives of detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, gain unauthorised access to him while he was in custody. The officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, was caught on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage assisting Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai to enter the ICPC premises on July 5, 2026, outside the approved visitor access procedure.
According to a handwritten statement submitted to an investigation panel, Stephen admitted to helping Assabe gain access to her husband “through the back door”. He reportedly drove her into the ICPC premises, took her through the rear entrance, and escorted her upstairs to the section where El-Rufai was being held. An ICPC officer was quoted as saying that Stephen's handwritten account indicated that he switched off the light at one point before they entered the room where El-Rufai was being held. According to the account, Assabe handed her husband a document, picked up a black purse and discussed a court matter with him in Hausa. The visit reportedly lasted about 15 minutes. Stephen allegedly escorted her out through the same rear entrance and drove her away from the commission's premises.
The dismissed officer reportedly admitted that he knew the visit did not comply with the ICPC's established security procedures. He explained that visitors to the commission were required to have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being granted access. Stephen also reportedly acknowledged that his actions amounted to a breach of the commission's rules. “I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” he wrote, adding that his statement was made voluntarily and without coercion or duress.
ICPC insiders were also quoted as saying that Stephen's account indicated that his involvement with Assabe may have extended beyond the July 5 incident. He allegedly recounted an earlier occasion when he helped escort her further into the facility while officials were still verifying her identity. According to the account, Stephen was subsequently approached by a man who identified himself as El-Rufai's biological brother. He reportedly agreed to assist the man as well and facilitated his entry through the rear entrance.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is facing allegations bordering on money laundering and conversion of public property, allegations which he has denied. The ICPC has not publicly disclosed details of the internal disciplinary process against Stephen beyond the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach, while the allegations against El-Rufai remain before the courts.
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