ICPC Dismisses Security Officer Over Alleged Unauthorised Access to El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, over an alleged breach of security procedures involving Aichatou Asabe El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.

According to a report by TheCable, Stephen, who was attached to the ICPC’s internal security team, was accused of helping Asabe gain unauthorised access to her husband while he was in the commission’s custody.

The officer was reportedly captured on CCTV on July 5, 2026, driving Asabe into the ICPC premises and taking her through a rear entrance instead of following the commission’s approved visitor-access procedure.

Stephen was subsequently questioned by an investigation panel and reportedly admitted facilitating the visit in a handwritten statement. He was said to have acknowledged that the procedure required visitors to have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before entering the premises.

“I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” Stephen reportedly wrote in the statement, which he also said was made voluntarily and without coercion or duress.

The report said Stephen escorted Asabe upstairs to the section where El-Rufai was being held. An ICPC official was quoted as alleging that the officer switched off a light at one point before Asabe entered the room.

According to the report, Asabe handed a document to her husband, collected a black purse and discussed a court-related matter with him in Hausa. The meeting reportedly lasted about 15 minutes before Stephen escorted her out through the same rear entrance.

ICPC insiders were also quoted as alleging that Stephen had previously facilitated access to the facility for Asabe while officials were still verifying her identity. He was further accused of helping a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother gain access through the rear entrance.

The allegations prompted an internal investigation by the commission, which culminated in Stephen’s dismissal from the ICPC.

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 he has denied.

The reported dismissal has renewed questions about compliance with security and visitor-access protocols at detention facilities, particularly when high-profile suspects are being held. The allegations against Stephen remain based on the internal investigation and reported accounts surrounding the incident.