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ICPC has dismissed a security officer accused of secretly facilitating an unauthorised visit by one of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s wives to the ex-governor while he was in the commission’s custody.
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Daniel Stephen allegedly drove Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai into the ICPC premises through a back entrance, escorted her to the section where her husband was detained, and admitted breaching established visitor-access procedures.
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An investigation panel was reportedly told that Assabe spent about 15 minutes with El-Rufai, handed him a document and discussed a court matter in Hausa before being escorted out through the same unauthorised route.
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The development has raised fresh questions over security and access controls at the ICPC as the former governor remains in custody over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property, allegations he has denied.
September 04, (THEWILL) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a member of its internal security team over his alleged role in facilitating an unauthorised visit to detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by one of his wives, Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai.
The security breach reportedly occurred on July 5, 2026, when Daniel Stephen allegedly helped Assabe gain access to the ICPC facility outside the commission’s approved visitor-access procedure.
Stephen, according to details of an internal investigation reported by TheCable, was captured on closed-circuit television allegedly driving Assabe into the commission’s premises through a back entrance and subsequently escorting her to the section where El-Rufai was being held.
The officer reportedly admitted his involvement in a handwritten statement submitted to an investigation panel, acknowledging that he helped the former governor’s wife gain access to her husband “through the back door.”
His dismissal followed the investigation into the incident and the alleged violation of the commission’s security procedures.
‘I Agree That I Am Wrong’
Stephen reportedly told the panel that he was aware that the visit did not comply with established ICPC procedures.
Under the commission’s security arrangements, visitors are required to have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being allowed into the premises.
The security officer allegedly bypassed those procedures by driving Assabe into the facility and taking her through a back entrance.
In his handwritten statement, Stephen reportedly accepted responsibility for the breach.
“I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” he wrote, while also stating that the statement was made voluntarily and without coercion or duress.
According to an ICPC source quoted in the report, Stephen’s account provided investigators with details of how the alleged unauthorised visit was conducted.
He reportedly drove Assabe 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 some point, he allegedly switched off the light before Assabe entered the room where the former governor was detained.
During the meeting, Assabe allegedly handed El-Rufai a document, picked up a black purse, and discussed a court-related matter with him in Hausa.
Stephen reportedly said he subsequently escorted her out through the same back entrance and drove her away from the commission’s premises.
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Investigation Uncovers Earlier Access
The internal investigation is also said to have raised questions about whether the July 5 incident was an isolated breach.
According to sources familiar with Stephen’s account, the security officer allegedly disclosed another earlier incident in which he helped Assabe move further into the ICPC facility while officials were still trying to confirm her identity.
After assisting her on that occasion, Stephen reportedly encountered a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother.
The officer allegedly agreed to assist the man as well and brought him into the commission’s premises through the back entrance.
The revelations have reportedly formed part of the concerns surrounding Stephen’s conduct and the extent to which security procedures may have been circumvented to provide access to the detained former governor.
The alleged incidents have also put the commission’s internal access-control system under scrutiny, particularly because the facility houses high-profile suspects and individuals undergoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor is facing allegations bordering on money laundering and the conversion of public property. He has denied the allegations
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
