The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly terminated the appointment of a member of its security personnel over an alleged breach of procedure involving Aichatou Assabe el-Rufai, a wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, was said to have facilitated an unauthorised visit by Assabe to the former governor while he was being held at the anti-corruption agency’s facility.
According to a report by TheCable, Stephen was assigned to the commission’s internal security unit and allegedly helped Assabe gain entry into the premises on July 5, 2026, without following the established process for visitors seeking access to detainees.
The incident reportedly came to the attention of authorities after security camera footage allegedly captured the officer assisting the visitor as she entered the commission’s premises.
Sources familiar with the matter said Stephen was subsequently subjected to an internal investigation to determine how the visit was allowed to take place and whether established security protocols had been breached.
During the investigation, the security officer was reportedly asked to provide an account of his actions. He allegedly submitted a handwritten statement to the panel, in which he acknowledged playing a role in facilitating Assabe’s access to the premises.
An ICPC source cited by TheCable provided further details about how the alleged incident unfolded.
According to the source, Stephen personally drove Assabe into the commission’s compound instead of directing her through the designated visitor screening and approval process.
The officer allegedly proceeded to use an alternative entrance to gain access to the building. From there, he reportedly accompanied Assabe upstairs to the area where Nasir el-Rufai was being detained.
The source claimed that the officer’s involvement went beyond simply allowing Assabe into the premises, as he allegedly escorted her through the facility and assisted her in reaching the section where the former Kaduna governor was being held.
One of the more notable allegations contained in the account was that Stephen switched off a light at a particular point before the pair entered the room where el-Rufai was staying.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged visit reportedly raised concerns among officials because access to individuals held in custody is expected to be governed by specific security and administrative procedures.
Following the investigation, the commission was said to have taken disciplinary action against Stephen, ultimately resulting in the loss of his job.
The development highlights the strict measures typically applied to personnel responsible for safeguarding detainees and controlling access to restricted areas within law-enforcement facilities.
The identity of Assabe as one of el-Rufai’s wives was central to the reported incident, as her visit allegedly took place without the required authorisation.
TheCable reported that the account of the incident was based on information from an ICPC source as well as Stephen’s alleged handwritten statement submitted during the internal inquiry.
The former Kaduna governor had been in the custody of the ICPC at the time of the reported incident, although details surrounding his detention and the broader investigation involving him were separate from the disciplinary action taken against the security officer.
The alleged breach ultimately resulted in Stephen being removed from his position after the commission concluded its internal proceedings.
