ICPC Sacks Officer After Sneaking El-Rufai’s Wife Into Facility

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly dismissed a member of its internal security team for allegedly granting Aichatou Assabe el-Rufai, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, unauthorised access to the facility to see her husband.

According to Ireporter Online, the officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, was accused of bypassing the commission’s established visitor clearance procedures to facilitate the visit.

Sources within the anti-graft agency reportedly said CCTV footage captured Stephen driving Mrs El-Rufai into the commission’s premises through a rear entrance on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The former Kaduna governor is currently facing trial over allegations bordering on money laundering and conversion of public property. He has reportedly remained in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Stephen, who was attached to the commission’s internal security unit, reportedly admitted during an investigation that he helped Mrs El-Rufai gain access to her husband through an unauthorised route.

In a handwritten statement submitted to an investigation panel, the officer acknowledged that the visit did not comply with the commission’s established security procedures, which require visitors to register at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before entering.

According to accounts of the incident, Stephen drove Mrs El-Rufai through the rear entrance and escorted her to the section where her husband was being held. She allegedly handed El-Rufai a document, collected a black purse and discussed a court-related matter with him in Hausa.

The visit reportedly lasted about 15 minutes before Stephen escorted her out through the same entrance.

The officer admitted that his actions violated the commission’s regulations, stating in his written account that he accepted responsibility for breaching established procedures.

Sources further alleged that Stephen’s involvement extended beyond the July 5 incident, claiming that he had previously assisted Mrs El-Rufai within the facility while her identity was being verified.

The officer also reportedly disclosed that he later assisted a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother, allowing him access through the rear entrance.

The matter was subsequently investigated by the commission, culminating in Stephen’s dismissal from the internal security team.