Daniel Stephen allegedly bypassed the commission’s visitor clearance procedure and escorted Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai to the section where her husband was being held.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed one of its security officers, Daniel Stephen, for allegedly helping Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, gain unauthorised access to her husband while he was in custody.

Stephen, who was attached to the commission’s internal security team, was reportedly identified through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage after he allegedly escorted Assabe into the ICPC premises through a rear entrance on July 5, 2026.

The action reportedly violated the commission’s established procedure for admitting visitors, particularly those seeking access to restricted areas where detainees are held.

According to a handwritten statement submitted by Stephen to an investigation panel, the officer admitted driving Assabe into the premises and taking her through the rear entrance instead of the designated visitor access point.

He reportedly escorted her to the section where El-Rufai was being detained.

The visit lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which Assabe allegedly handed a document to her husband and collected a black purse from him.

The couple also reportedly discussed a court-related matter in Hausa before Stephen escorted Assabe out of the facility through the same rear entrance.

During the investigation, Stephen acknowledged that visitors to the ICPC were required to register at the main gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being allowed into restricted sections.

He reportedly admitted that by bypassing the procedure and facilitating Assabe’s entry, he had breached the commission’s security protocols.

The investigation also reportedly uncovered allegations of an earlier incident involving the officer.

Stephen was said to have previously assisted Assabe in gaining access to the premises while officials were still verifying her identity. He was also reportedly accused of helping a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother enter the facility through the rear entrance.

The incidents reportedly prompted the commission to investigate Stephen’s conduct and his compliance with internal security procedures.

His dismissal followed the conclusion of the disciplinary process.

El-Rufai’s detention

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, 2026, after being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is facing allegations relating to money laundering and the conversion of public property. El-Rufai has denied the allegations.

The former governor has maintained that the allegations against him are unfounded, while the relevant authorities continue to pursue their investigations and legal processes.

The reported dismissal of the security officer highlights the strict access controls expected around detainees held by anti-corruption agencies and the consequences for personnel found to have breached established procedures.