ICPC Defends El-Rufai Detention, Insists Actions Are Lawful, Non-Political
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has defended the detention and ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that its actions are strictly guided by law and not influenced by political considerations.
The Commission’s response follows reports that the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington D.C.–based advocacy firm, to draw international attention to what it described as alleged abuse of due process and weakening of the rule of law in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey dismissed claims of political motivation, stressing that the agency operates strictly within its legal mandate.
“We are not moved. We operate within the confines of the law,” Odey said. “The ICPC is not political and has never been. If there are infractions that fall within our Act, it does not matter who is involved. We do not prosecute on the basis of political affiliation.”
He explained that El-Rufai is currently in custody under a valid court remand order, adding that the Commission’s actions are backed by judicial authority.
“He is in our custody by court remand. We are not detaining him on our own. We are following lawful orders,” he said.
Odey further dismissed allegations that the Commission was being used as a political tool, insisting that its mandate applies equally to all individuals regardless of status or affiliation.
“Whether you are a clerk, contractor, or political figure, it is immaterial. We do not politicise our work. We are an anti-corruption law enforcement agency guided by an Act,” he added.
The ICPC’s clarification comes amid rising political and public debate over El-Rufai’s prosecution, following claims by his support group that his detention represents a wider pattern of political intimidation and procedural irregularities.
In a statement, ERSGA said it had retained Vanguard Africa to coordinate international advocacy efforts, including engagements with U.S. government officials, Congress, multilateral bodies, and pro-democracy institutions.
The group described El-Rufai as a reform-minded statesman and alleged that his treatment reflected deeper concerns about democratic governance in Nigeria.
“His case is not isolated but symptomatic of a broader institutional crisis,” the group said, calling on international actors to monitor developments closely ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ERSGA also urged global democratic institutions to speak out in defence of due process and judicial independence, warning that misuse of legal processes could undermine democratic competition.
El-Rufai is currently being prosecuted over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He is also facing a separate case linked to alleged surveillance activities involving the National Security Adviser.
ICPC Defends El-Rufai Detention, Insists Actions Are Lawful, Non-Political