ICPC Upholds Court Order, Refuses ADC Access to El-Rufai
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has clarified its decision to deny access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The commission stated that its actions adhered to an existing court order restricting visitation rights.
ICPC spokesperson John O’Day addressed this issue in a statement to Punch Online, responding to ADC claims that their leaders were denied access and faced harassment during a visit to El-Rufai on Friday.
O’Day explained that upon receiving a request from the ADC, which included a list of party leaders such as Aregbesola and Bolaji Abdullahi, the commission formally denied their request. “We received the letter around the 20th and replied on the 21st, informing them not to visit due to the specific court order,” he mentioned.
According to O’Day, the court order permits visits solely from El-Rufai’s next of kin, legal representatives, and medical professionals. “Visitation is limited to his immediate family, lawyers, and doctors. We cannot accommodate requests outside of this framework,” he emphasized.
When queried about whether the ADC was notified before arriving at the ICPC office, O’Day maintained that the ADC had indeed received the commission’s response, which was documented and stamped upon receipt. He reiterated that the ADC, classified as a political entity, does not fit within the categories permitted by the court order.
O’Day also refuted allegations that ADC leaders experienced intimidation or harassment from security personnel at ICPC headquarters. “No, they were not harassed or threatened. The presence of armed police officers at our facility is part of standard security measures,” he stated, clarifying that their deployment is a routine operational procedure.
The ICPC remains committed to adhering to the court’s directives regarding the former governor’s custody. “We will not grant access outside the stipulated categories outlined by the court,” O’Day affirmed, underscoring the commission’s responsibility to ensure El-Rufai’s safety while in custody.
The ADC previously accused the ICPC of obstructing access to El-Rufai, suggesting that heavily armed police presence constituted a form of intimidation. In a formal statement, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Communications Director, expressed concerns over El-Rufai’s safety and detailed a request for visitation rights submitted to ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu.
El-Rufai currently faces nine amended charges relating to alleged violations of multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act of 2000 and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Act of 2017. He has pleaded not guilty to all accusations against him.
