ICPC defends El-Rufai’s detention, dismisses US lobbying move

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 strictly in line with the law and free from political influence.

The anti-graft agency’s reaction followed the decision by the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) to hire Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based advocacy firm, to campaign against what it described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday, ICPC spokesman, John Odey, said the commission was not disturbed by the move to seek international support.

“We are not moved at all. We operate within the confines of the law and will continue to discharge our responsibilities in line with the law. He is in our custody based on a court remand order,” Odey said.

He also rejected claims that the commission was pursuing a political agenda, stressing that the ICPC remained an independent law enforcement agency guided solely by its enabling Act.

“We do not prosecute based on political affiliations. Whether you are a public official, a contractor or a political figure is immaterial. The ICPC is not a political party and has no political affiliations,” he added.

Earlier, ERSGA announced the engagement of Vanguard Africa to coordinate outreach to officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral organisations over El-Rufai’s case.

In a statement, the group described the former governor as a reformer and senior statesman who had been in ICPC custody since mid-February while courts allegedly delayed hearings on his bail application.

The association rejected the allegations against El-Rufai and claimed there were procedural irregularities in his prosecution.

“The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement read.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mohammed Salihu said the case reflected broader concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

“We are bringing these concerns to Washington because the international community has both the standing and responsibility to speak plainly when due process is weaponised for political ends,” he said.

ERSGA argued that the case would test the impartiality of Nigeria’s institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections and warned that using legal mechanisms to sideline opposition figures could undermine democratic competition.

The group also urged the United States Government, international organisations and civil society groups to monitor developments in Nigeria and defend due process, judicial independence and democratic freedoms.

El-Rufai is facing prosecution by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He is also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over the alleged wiretapping of communications involving the National Security Adviser.