Fresh controversy has emerged over the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, were allegedly denied access to him at the custody facility of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
The ADC delegation, which reportedly visited the anti-corruption agency’s facility, included the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Secretary of the ADC Manifesto and Policy Committee, Salihu Lukman.
The party leaders were said to have arrived at the ICPC office in an attempt to see El-Rufai but were allegedly prevented from meeting him.
The incident has further fueled political tension surrounding the former governor’s detention and renewed debate over his treatment while in custody.
Although details surrounding the visit remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, sources within the party said the ADC leaders wanted to check on El-Rufai’s welfare and discuss ongoing political developments.
The latest development came only days after the ICPC publicly denied allegations that El-Rufai was being maltreated in detention.
At a press conference earlier, ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, dismissed reports that the former governor was denied food, medical attention and access to family members.
According to Odey, the allegations were “false and misleading.”
He maintained that the commission follows established procedures regarding visits to detainees and insisted that authorised persons were allowed access under supervision.
Odey explained that visitors are permitted into ICPC detention facilities between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
According to him, one of the complaints raised by El-Rufai’s family involved a visit outside approved visiting hours.
He specifically stated that El-Rufai’s wife reportedly arrived after the official visiting period had ended.
The ICPC spokesperson further stated that family members, lawyers and medical personnel approved by the commission were allowed to see detainees in line with regulations guiding detention operations.
However, the explanation has done little to calm concerns raised by members of El-Rufai’s family and political associates.
The former governor’s family had earlier accused the commission of refusing him access to his personal doctors despite an order issued by the Kaduna High Court.
According to the family, the court order granted El-Rufai unrestricted access to his lawyers and medical personnel while in detention.
The family also alleged that the ICPC’s internal medical officer had earlier recommended additional medical examination before access to external doctors was allegedly blocked.
Speaking on the matter, El-Rufai’s second wife, Hasiat, claimed that the former governor was denied proper medical attention.
“He was denied access to the doctor,” she alleged.
The detention of El-Rufai has continued to generate widespread reactions across the political space, particularly because of his status as one of the country’s prominent political figures.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and remains influential within northern politics.
Known for his outspoken views and strong political alliances, the former governor has remained active in national political discussions since leaving office.
In recent months, he has also been linked with opposition political activities and coalition talks ahead of future elections.
Human rights groups and legal observers have also stressed the importance of respecting detainees’ constitutional rights, especially access to lawyers, family members and medical care.
Some lawyers noted that compliance with court orders is essential to maintaining public confidence in anti-corruption investigations and the justice system.
Meanwhile, supporters of the former governor have continued to demand transparency regarding the conditions of his detention.
Some ADC members who reacted to the alleged denial of access described the development as troubling and unnecessary.
Others called on the ICPC to provide clearer information on the status of the former governor and the reasons behind restrictions placed on visitors.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not officially responded to claims that ADC leaders were denied access to El-Rufai during their visit.
The situation has nevertheless continued to attract national attention, with many Nigerians closely monitoring developments surrounding the former governor’s detention and the growing political reactions linked to the case.