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 all actions taken against him are strictly guided by law and due process rather than political considerations.
News Point Nigeria reports that the anti-corruption agency’s response followed the announcement by the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) that it had engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to spearhead a campaign aimed at drawing global attention to what the group described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, said the commission was unperturbed by the decision of El-Rufai’s supporters to seek international backing for their campaign, stressing that the agency remains focused on carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
“We are not moved. We operate within the confines of the law. The ICPC is not moved at all,” Odey said.
“We operate within the confines of the law and will continue to carry out our functions within the confines of the law. We are not detaining him on our own. We are following lawful orders. He is in our custody by court remand. So, we don’t have any issues with that.
“It’s a free world, it’s a free society, but people must operate within the confines of the law,” he added.
The ICPC spokesman also rejected allegations that the commission was being deployed as a political tool against the former governor, maintaining that its operations are driven solely by the provisions of its enabling law.
“No, we are not political. The ICPC is not political. It has never been and never will be. The ICPC is an anti-corruption law enforcement agency. We have an Act that guides our operations,” Odey stated.
“If there are infractions that fall within our Act and we charge you to court, it doesn’t matter whether you are a clerk in a government agency, a private contractor who has contravened the laws, or a political figure. It is immaterial.
“We do not politicise our issues, nor do we prosecute on the basis of political affiliations. The ICPC is not a political party and does not have any political affiliations,” he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, the El-Rufai Support Group Association announced that it had formally engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy organisation, to coordinate an international campaign focused on what it described as growing concerns over due process, judicial independence and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement, ERSGA said Vanguard Africa would coordinate outreach efforts to officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, relevant government agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral stakeholders on behalf of the association.
According to the group, a regulatory filing published by the United States Department of State indicated that Vanguard Africa would plan and execute engagement with U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral stakeholders on matters relating to El-Rufai’s case.
The association described the former Kaduna governor as a reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service experience, arguing that his prosecution raises broader concerns about the state of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“Vanguard Africa will plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders on behalf of ERSGA, among other activities in the United States,” the statement said.
“Nasir El-Rufai is an accomplished reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service. According to media reports, since mid-February, he has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, while courts have repeatedly delayed bail hearings.
“ERSGA categorically rejects the ICPC accusations and maintains El-Rufai’s innocence, pointing to a series of alarming procedural irregularities.
“The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement added.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Mohammed Salihu said the former governor’s case reflected wider concerns about the health of democratic institutions and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
“We are bringing these concerns to Washington because the international community has both the standing and the responsibility to speak plainly when due process is weaponised for political ends,” Salihu said.
The association further argued that the case could become a significant test of the impartiality and independence of Nigeria’s institutions, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.
ERSGA warned that the use of legal processes to sideline opposition figures could weaken democratic competition and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
The group therefore called on the United States Government, international democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and speak out in support of due process, judicial independence and the democratic space required for free and fair elections.
El-Rufai is currently being prosecuted by the ICPC over allegations bordering on abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor is also facing a separate prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations relating to the wiretapping of communications involving the National Security Adviser.