The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has defended its decision to bar leaders of the African Democratic Congress from visiting former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying the move was in line with an existing court order.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the commission had earlier informed the ADC that only El-Rufai’s immediate family members, lawyers and medical doctors were permitted access while he remains in custody.
According to Odey, the ADC had written to the commission requesting permission for some of its leaders, including former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and party chieftain Bolaji Abdullahi, to visit El-Rufai.
He explained that the commission responded to the request before the scheduled visit, notifying the party that it could not approve access because the court order did not cover political associates or party officials.
“The court order specifically limited visitation to immediate family members, legal counsel and doctors,” Odey said, adding that the commission had no authority to go beyond those categories.
The ICPC also denied allegations by the ADC that its members were harassed or intimidated during the visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Odey stated that armed policemen seen at the premises were part of the routine security presence usually stationed at the facility and were not deployed because of the ADC delegation.
The ADC had earlier accused the anti-graft agency of obstructing access to El-Rufai and attempting to intimidate opposition figures through heavy security deployment.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it had formally requested visitation rights due to concerns over El-Rufai’s welfare.
El-Rufai is currently facing trial over alleged violations of multiple anti-corruption and procurement laws. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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