The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has explained why leaders of the African Democratic Congress were denied access to former Kaduna State Governor, , saying the decision was based on a valid court order.
ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, said the commission acted within the law when ADC officials attempted to visit El-Rufai at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking on Saturday, Odey disclosed that the ADC had earlier written to the anti-graft agency seeking permission for party leaders, including former Osun State governor, , and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, , to meet with El-Rufai.
According to him, the commission replied the party before the visit, informing them that the request could not be granted because of restrictions contained in the court order.
Odey explained that only El-Rufai’s immediate family members, lawyers and medical doctors were permitted to see him while in custody.
He maintained that the ADC, being a political organisation, did not fall within the categories approved by the court.
“The court order is specific. Access is limited to his immediate family, legal counsel and medical doctors. Anyone outside that category cannot be granted access,” he said.
The ICPC spokesman also rejected claims by the ADC that its members were intimidated during the visit.
He stated that security personnel stationed at the commission’s premises were part of normal security arrangements and were not deployed specifically because of the opposition leaders’ visit.
According to him, mobile police officers are routinely stationed at the gate of the commission’s headquarters, adding that reports suggesting heavy police deployment were misleading.
Odey stressed that the commission would continue to comply strictly with the court directive and insisted that the agency remained apolitical in its actions.
The ADC had earlier accused the ICPC of blocking its leaders from seeing El-Rufai and alleged that heavily armed security operatives were used to intimidate opposition figures.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Abdullahi said the party had formally written to ICPC Chairman, , requesting visitation rights over concerns about El-Rufai’s well-being.
El-Rufai is currently facing trial over nine amended charges linked to alleged violations of anti-corruption, fraud, procurement and penal laws. The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
