ICPC Fires Officer for Unauthorized El-Rufai Visit

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) dismissed Daniel Stephen, a member of its internal security team, for his role in an unauthorized visit to detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by his wife, Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai, on July 5, 2026. An internal investigation revealed that Stephen allegedly assisted Assabe in bypassing established visitor-access procedures by driving her into the ICPC facility through a back entrance.

He was captured on closed-circuit television escorting her to the section where El-Rufai was held. Stephen admitted his involvement in a handwritten statement, acknowledging the breach of protocol and stating that he was aware the visit did not comply with ICPC procedures.

Under these procedures, visitors must have their details recorded and obtain clearance before entry. Stephen's actions included switching off the light before Assabe entered the room with El-Rufai, where they discussed a court-related matter.

He later escorted her out through the same back entrance.