The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is preventing its leaders from visiting former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai while he is in custody. ADC claims that tension rose when, during the time its leaders were waiting, armed police were deployed at the facility, including an account that “no fewer than three truckloads” of armed officers arrived.
ICPC, however, disputes the accusation and explains that it denied the ADC leaders access because a court order restricts visitation. In its response, the commission says the order remains in force and therefore limits who can be allowed to see El-Rufai.
The dispute centers on whether the ICPC’s refusal is a lawful implementation of an existing restriction or an improper barrier to the ADC’s planned meeting with El-Rufai. Both sides also describe the circumstances around the attempted visit, with ADC emphasizing the police presence and ICPC emphasizing the legal basis for the denial.
