The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has terminated security officer Daniel Stephen for granting unauthorized access to Aichatou Asabe el-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
Reports indicate that Stephen was captured on CCTV assisting Aichatou Asabe el-Rufai in entering the commission’s premises against approved visitor procedures. The incident took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, while Stephen was part of the ICPC’s internal security team.
Nasir el-Rufai is currently on trial for alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public property and has been in ICPC custody since February 19 after his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ICPC is actively prosecuting him for corruption-related charges.
In a statement to an investigation panel, Stephen admitted to helping el-Rufai’s wife gain access “through the back door.” He drove her to the premises, used a restricted entrance, and escorted her to where her husband was held. During the visit, which lasted about 15 minutes, Aichatou handed el-Rufai a document and discussed a court matter.
Stephen acknowledged in his statement that the visit violated established security procedures, which require visitor registration and clearance before entry. He confessed that his actions breached the commission’s rules and stated that he made the confession voluntarily.
Further investigation revealed that Stephen’s involvement with el-Rufai’s wife included other unauthorized instances of access. He detailed an earlier occasion where he assisted her while her identity was being confirmed. Following this, he also aided a man who claimed to be el-Rufai’s brother in accessing the facility.
This development comes as el-Rufai engages in a legal battle with the ICPC, having filed a N10 billion lawsuit in August for allegedly denying his wife and son access to him in custody. The lawsuit seeks various orders, including an apology for damages. The case, FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026.
