RismadarVoice Reporters
May, 2026
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were reportedly denied access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a visit to the custody facility of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The delegation reportedly included the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Secretary of the ADC Manifesto and Policy Committee, Salihu Lukman.
According to reports, the party officials visited the ICPC facility to meet with El-Rufai but were unable to gain access. Details surrounding the circumstances of the incident had not been fully clarified as of Friday afternoon.
The development comes amid ongoing controversy over El-Rufai’s detention conditions.
Earlier, the ICPC rejected allegations that the former governor was being denied food, medical care and access to family members while in custody.
Speaking at a press briefing, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey described the allegations as “false and misleading,” insisting that the commission follows established procedures regarding visitation and detainee welfare.
According to him, authorised visitors, including family members, legal representatives and medical personnel, are allowed access under supervision within designated visiting hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Odey also stated that El-Rufai’s wife had arrived outside the approved visitation period.
However, members of El-Rufai’s family have disputed the commission’s position, alleging that the former governor was denied access to his personal doctors despite a Kaduna High Court order granting him unrestricted access to legal counsel and physicians.
The family also claimed that after medical tests were conducted, recommendations for further examination were not implemented.
“When you see a doctor and you run tests, you are expected to see the doctor back so that he explains what the problem is,” a family member reportedly said.
El-Rufai’s second wife, Hasiat, also alleged that he was denied further access to medical attention.
The ICPC has yet to issue an official statement specifically addressing the reported denial of access to the ADC delegation.
