ICPC Officer Dismissed for Unauthorized Visit to El-Rufai

Daniel Stephen, a member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) internal security team, was dismissed after being caught on CCTV facilitating an unauthorized visit to former governor Nasir El-Rufai by his wife, Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai, on July 5, 2026. Stephen acknowledged in a handwritten statement to an internal investigation panel that he drove Assabe onto the ICPC premises, bypassing official visitor access procedures.

He admitted to leading her through a back entrance and taking her to the section where El-Rufai was held. Stephen confirmed that visitors must have their details recorded and obtain clearance from the head of security, which he failed to do.

His statement indicated that he had previously escorted Assabe into the facility without proper verification of her identity. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, facing charges of money laundering and conversion of public property, which he denies.