The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of obstructing access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
The party alleged that a delegation comprising its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi; and Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Salihu Lukman, was denied access to El-Rufai at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ADC claimed that the development occurred despite prior communication with the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for the former governor.
.
The party further alleged that while its leaders were awaiting a response at the Commission’s premises, “no fewer than three truckloads of armed police officers” arrived at the facility, creating what it described as an atmosphere of intimidation.
According to the statement signed by Abdullahi, the deployment of security personnel was “entirely unnecessary and disproportionate” to the peaceful visit by opposition leaders.
“It is deeply troubling that a simple request by senior party officials to visit a detained colleague was met, not with professionalism, but with a show of force more suited to the suppression of civil unrest,” the statement read.
The ADC said the incident had reinforced public concerns that state institutions were being used as instruments of political pressure against opposition figures.
The party also referenced recent allegations by El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, who reportedly claimed that her husband was denied access to his doctor and that she was prevented from delivering food to him while in custody.
While noting that the ICPC had publicly denied the allegations and maintained that due process was followed, the ADC insisted that the continued restriction of access to the former governor had raised further questions about the nature of his detention.
“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities. Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment under the law,” the party stated.
The ADC demanded that the ICPC grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, lawyers, doctors and political associates, warning that anything short of that would reinforce public perception that state institutions were being weaponised against opposition voices.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
You Can’t Visit El-Rufai — ICPC Tells ADC Leaders, Gives Reasons
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has informed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that its leaders cannot be granted access to visit former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in its custody. This follows an earlier report that three ADC leaders, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s national…
Memoirs: How I confronted Joe Garba on his plot to overthrow me — Gowon
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has recounted how fear, betrayal and growing distrust consumed the final days of his government before the July 29, 1975 coup, warning that leaders who surrender to panic and suspicion often end up trapped by manipulative advisers, opportunists and their own fears. But beyond the military intrigue and…
Gowon breaks silence on Biafra claim
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon disputes claims that the 1967 Aburi meeting agreed to Biafra’s independence. General akubu Gowon says no agreement was reached at the Aburi meeting on Biafra’s independence, countering claims made by Ojukwu Former Nigerian Head of State Yakubu Gowon has rejected claims that the 1967 Aburi meeting…
