Isaac Samuel
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, for allegedly helping Aichatou Asabe El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, gain unauthorised access to the commission’s detention facility.
Stephen, who was attached to the commission’s internal security team, was reportedly caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) assisting Asabe to enter the ICPC premises on July 5, 2026, outside the approved visitor access procedure.
According to reports, the officer admitted his involvement in a handwritten statement submitted to an investigation panel set up by the commission.
Stephen reportedly acknowledged helping El-Rufai’s wife enter the facility “through the back door”.
The former governor has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He is being held over allegations of money laundering and conversion of public property, charges he has denied.
According to the report, Stephen drove Asabe into the commission’s premises, took her through the rear entrance and escorted her upstairs to the section where El-Rufai was being held.
At one point, the officer allegedly switched off the light before they entered the room where the former governor was detained.
An ICPC official was quoted as saying that Asabe handed her husband a document, picked up a black purse and spoke with him in Hausa about a court matter.
The visit reportedly lasted about 15 minutes, after which Stephen allegedly escorted her out through the same back entrance and drove her away from the commission’s premises.
Stephen reportedly told the panel that he was aware the visit had breached the commission’s established security procedures.
He explained that visitors were required to have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being allowed into the facility.
“I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” he reportedly wrote, adding that he made the statement voluntarily and without coercion or duress.
The investigation also reportedly revealed that Stephen may have previously assisted members of El-Rufai’s family to gain access to the facility.
He allegedly recounted an earlier encounter in which he helped escort Asabe further into the premises while officials were still confirming her identity.
Stephen also reportedly said that a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother later approached him and that he agreed to assist the man into the facility through the back entrance.
The ICPC subsequently dismissed Stephen over the alleged breach of its security procedures.
El-Rufai, meanwhile, has challenged his continued detention by the commission in court.
