The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has dismissed a member of its internal security team over alleged breach of access protocol involving Aichatou Assabe el-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The officer, Daniel Stephen, was accused of helping Aichatou gain unauthorised access to the former governor while he was in custody at the agency’s facility.
According to sources within the commission, CCTV footage showed Stephen assisting Aichatou into the premises through a route outside the approved visitor procedure.
In a handwritten statement dated Sunday, July 5, 2026, and submitted to an investigative panel, Stephen allegedly admitted that he drove Aichatou into the facility through a rear entrance and escorted her upstairs to where El-Rufai was being detained.
He said the meeting lasted about 15 minutes. According to the account, Aichatou handed El-Rufai a document, collected a black purse and spoke with him in Hausa about a court matter before leaving through the same route.
Stephen reportedly acknowledged that the visit did not comply with ICPC security requirements, which mandate visitor registration and clearance from the head of security.
“I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” he wrote, adding that the statement was made voluntarily.
Sources said the investigation also uncovered an earlier incident where Stephen allegedly assisted Aichatou and a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother to enter through the rear entrance.
El-Rufai is currently facing trial over allegations of money laundering and conversion of public property. He has been in ICPC custody since February 19, after his release from EFCC custody.
