ICPC denies political witch-hunt, says El-Rufai yet to meet bail conditions

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has dismissed claims that the continued detention Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, was politically motivated, insisting that he remains in custody because he has yet to fulfill his court-approved bail conditions.

John Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications Unit of the ICPC stated this while addressing journalists, Monday in Abuja, over the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, amid growing claims by some supporters that the anti-graft agency was being used to frustrate opposition political realignments ahead of future elections.

According to him, El-Rufai was remanded by “a court of competent jurisdiction” and is currently undergoing trial over allegations brought against him, stressing that the matter remains strictly judicial and not political.

“He is in the custody of the ICPC as remanded by a court of competent jurisdiction and he is doing very well, he is fine, he is in good health,” Odey said.

He rejected insinuations that the anti-corruption agency was acting on political instructions or targeting El-Rufai because of his growing involvement in opposition coalition talks.

“The ICPC is not a political party. The ICPC does not play politics,” he added.

Read also: El-Rufai denied access to doctors, wife’s food – ADC

He also stated that the agency was only carrying out its legal mandate following allegations and charges filed against the former governor.

“There were allegations made against him, charges preferred against him. He has been arraigned in court. He is undergoing trial, so he is a defendant in those matters. The court remanded him here. It is strictly a judicial matter. It has nothing to do with politics,” he noted.

Responding to widespread claims that El-Rufai’s health had deteriorated in detention, the commission insisted that the former governor remained medically stable and had been granted access to healthcare services of his choice.

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai had twice been taken to see his personal doctors in the previous week under the agency’s supervision.

“Before this incident, he went twice last week and the ICPC took him there. He went and came back twice. He also has access to an in-house medical facility. If he says he wants to see his doctor, we will take him,” Odey explained.

He also dismissed allegations circulating online that it had refused to obey a court order granting El-Rufai bail.

Clarifying the situation, Odey maintained that the former governor had not yet satisfied the conditions attached to the bail granted by the court.

“The court granted him bail. Nasir El-Rufai is yet to meet his bail conditions. If he meets his bail conditions today, this minute, the ICPC will let him go. So we are not keeping him,” he declared.

The Spokesman further urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that it was deliberately holding El-Rufai despite judicial directives.

The development has continued to generate political reactions, especially among supporters of the former governor who believe his prosecution may have political implications ahead of evolving opposition alliances in the country.

However, the ICPC maintained that its actions were guided solely by the law and ongoing court proceedings.