The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has defended the detention and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that its actions are guided strictly by the law and not politics.
The commission’s reaction followed the announcement by the El-Rufai Support Group Association that it had engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to lead a campaign highlighting what it described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the ICPC spokesman, John Odey, said the commission was not disturbed by the group’s decision to seek international support.
He said, “We are not moved. We operate within the confines of the law. The ICPC is not moved at all.
“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.”
Odey also dismissed claims that the anti-corruption agency was being used for political purposes.
“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.
“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 said.
Earlier, the El-Rufai Support Group Association announced the engagement of Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to lead a campaign about what it described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ERSGA said Vanguard Africa would coordinate outreach to officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, relevant agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral stakeholders on its behalf.
According to the association, a regulatory filing published by the US Department of State indicated that Vanguard Africa would plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders for ERSGA.
ERSGA said the campaign was focused on the case of El-Rufai, whom it described as a reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service.
“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.
“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 read.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Mohammed Salihu said the former governor’s case reflected broader concerns about democratic institutions in the country.
He added, “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.”
The association said it viewed the case as a test of the impartiality of Nigeria’s institutions, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
ERSGA warned that the use of legal mechanisms to sideline opposition figures could undermine free and credible democratic competition.
The group also called on the United States Government, international democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.
It urged them to speak clearly in defence of due process, judicial independence, and the democratic space that free and fair elections require.
El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor.
The former governor is also facing prosecution by the Department of State Service over the alleged wiretapping of communications of the National Security Adviser.
