ICPC Fires Security Officer Over Alleged Secret Entry Of El-Rufai’s Wife

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly dismissed a member of its internal security team, identified as Daniel Stephen, over allegations that he breached security protocols to grant Aichatou Assabe el-Rufai, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, unauthorised access to the former governor while he was in custody.

According to reports, Stephen allegedly helped Mrs El-Rufai bypass the commission’s established visitor clearance procedures and enter its premises through a rear entrance to meet her husband.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with sources within the anti-graft agency and CCTV footage said to have shown the security officer driving Mrs El-Rufai into the facility and escorting her to the section where her husband was being held.

Reports indicate that Stephen later submitted a handwritten statement to an investigation panel, admitting that he assisted Mrs El-Rufai in gaining access through the back entrance.

In his account, the officer reportedly acknowledged that visitors to the ICPC facility were expected to register at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being allowed into the premises.

He was said to have admitted that his actions violated the commission’s established procedures, stating that he had breached the organisation’s security protocol.

The reported unauthorised visit lasted approximately 15 minutes. During the meeting, Mrs El-Rufai allegedly handed her husband a document, picked up a black purse and spoke with him in Hausa concerning a court matter before leaving the facility through the same rear entrance.

The development comes amid the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor, who is facing allegations bordering on money laundering and the conversion of public property. El-Rufai has reportedly remained in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Further details from Stephen’s statement reportedly suggested that the incident was not his first involvement in facilitating unauthorised access. He allegedly recounted an earlier encounter in which he assisted Mrs El-Rufai further into the facility while her identity was being verified.

The security officer also reportedly told investigators that he later assisted a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother, allowing him to enter through the rear entrance as well.

The ICPC subsequently dismissed Stephen following its investigation into the alleged breaches, with the case highlighting the commission’s efforts to enforce its internal security and visitor-access procedures.