Trending 
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer accused of helping Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai gain unauthorised access to her husband in custody.
Daniel Stephen, attached to the commission’s internal security team, was allegedly caught on CCTV helping Assabe enter the ICPC premises on July 5, 2026.
According to The Cable, Stephen admitted his involvement in a handwritten statement submitted to an investigation panel.
He acknowledged helping El-Rufai’s wife gain access to her husband “through the back door”.
Stephen reportedly drove Assabe into the commission’s premises, took her through a back entrance and escorted her upstairs to the section where Nasir El-Rufai was being held.
An ICPC officer quoted by The Cable said Stephen turned off the light before they entered the room where El-Rufai was being held.
“Mrs El-Rufai handed her husband a document, picked up a black purse and spoke with him in Hausa about a court matter. The visit lasted about 15 minutes.”
“Stephen said he then took her out through the same back entrance and drove her out of the commission’s premises,” the officer said.
Stephen reportedly told the panel that he knew the visit did not follow the commission’s approved security procedures.
He explained that visitors must have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before entering the facility.
“I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure,” Stephen wrote, adding that he made the statement voluntarily and without coercion or duress.
ICPC insiders also reportedly claimed that Stephen’s statement suggested his involvement with Assabe extended beyond the July 5 incident.
He allegedly recounted an earlier encounter in which he helped escort Assabe further into the facility while officials were still confirming her identity.
Stephen also reportedly said a man approached him, identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother, and asked him to help him enter the facility through the back entrance.
Nasir El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him.
He is facing money laundering and conversion of public property charges, which he denies.
