ICPC Reacts as Group Seeks International Support Over El-Rufai’s Continued Detention

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has defended the detention and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that its actions are guided strictly by the law and not politics.

The commission’s reaction followed an announcement by the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) that it has engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to launch a campaign highlighting alleged abuses of due process and an erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey dismissed the group’s international lobbying efforts, stating that the anti-corruption agency remains completely unmoved.

Odey clarified that El-Rufai is not being held arbitrarily but is currently in custody under a lawful court remand.

He further rejected accusations of political bias, emphasizing that the ICPC operates strictly as an anti-corruption law enforcement agency guided by its own legislative Act, which applies equally to government clerks, private contractors, and high-profile political figures.

“We are not moved. We operate within the confines of the law. The ICPC is not moved at all,” Punch Newspaper quoted Odey.

He added, “We are not detaining him on our own. We are following lawful orders. He is in our custody by court remand. So, we don’t have any issues with that. It’s a free world, it’s a free society, but people must operate within the confines of the law. We do not politicise our issues, nor do we prosecute on the basis of political affiliations.”

However, the ERSGA has maintained that El-Rufai is innocent, pointing to what they termed “alarming procedural irregularities” since he was first detained in mid-February.

According to the association, Vanguard Africa will coordinate outreach to United States administration officials, members of Congress, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral organizations to draw international attention to the case.

El-Rufai is currently facing prosecution by the ICPC over allegations of fraud, financial impropriety, and abuse of office during his time as governor.

Additionally, he is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations involving the wiretapping of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser.