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 based solely on legal processes and not political considerations.
The commission’s position came in response to a move by the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA), which has hired a Washington-based advocacy firm, Vanguard Africa, to raise international awareness about what it describes as growing threats to the rule of law and due process in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey dismissed concerns over the group’s international lobbying efforts, stressing that the anti-corruption agency remains focused on carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
According to him, El-Rufai’s detention is backed by a valid court remand order and not an arbitrary decision by the commission. He maintained that the agency would continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the law, regardless of external pressure or public opinion.
Odey also rejected allegations that the ICPC was being used as a political tool, emphasizing that the commission investigates and prosecutes individuals solely on the basis of alleged violations of anti-corruption laws. He noted that the agency’s mandate applies equally to public officials, private individuals, contractors, and political figures.
Meanwhile, ERSGA announced that Vanguard Africa would coordinate engagements with officials of the United States government, members of Congress, pro-democracy organisations, relevant agencies, and international stakeholders on issues surrounding El-Rufai’s prosecution.
The association said the outreach effort followed a regulatory filing in the United States indicating that the firm would undertake advocacy activities on its behalf. ERSGA described El-Rufai as a respected reformer and statesman with a long record of public service and argued that the charges against him are unfounded.
According to the group, the former governor has faced prolonged detention since February while court proceedings, including bail hearings, have experienced repeated delays. It alleged that procedural irregularities in the case raise concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
ERSGA further argued that El-Rufai’s situation reflects broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The group warned that the use of legal and judicial mechanisms against opposition figures could weaken democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking for the association, Mohammed Salihu said the campaign in Washington was intended to draw international attention to what the group views as the misuse of due process for political purposes. He urged global democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and advocate for judicial independence, due process, and the protection of democratic freedoms.
El-Rufai is currently facing prosecution by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He is also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations relating to the interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser.
The case continues to generate political and legal debate, with supporters describing it as a test of democratic accountability, while anti-corruption authorities maintain that the matter is strictly a legal process that should be allowed to run its course in court.
