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 its actions are in tandem with the law and not politics.
The ICPC’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 press 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 on court remand. So, we don’t have any issues with that.
It is a free world, a free society, but people must follow the law.”
Odey also denied allegations that the anti-corruption body was being utilised for political objectives.
“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 in 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 declared that Vanguard Africa, a Washington, DC-based international advocacy group, would lead a campaign against what it claimed as the weakening of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ERSGA stated that Vanguard Africa would coordinate outreach to US administration officials, members of Congress, relevant agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders on their behalf.
According to the organisation, a regulatory file submitted by the US Department of State stated that Vanguard Africa would plan and carry out outreach to US administration officials, Congress, appropriate bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders for ERSGA.
According to ERSGA, the campaign is centred on the case of El-Rufai, a reformer and elder statesman with decades of public service experience.
“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 stated that the former governor’s case mirrored broader worries about the country’s democratic institutions.
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 group described the case as a test of Nigeria’s institutions’ neutrality, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
ERSGA warned that using legal measures to silence opposition figures could jeopardise free and credible democratic competition.
The group also urged the US government, international democratic institutions, and civil society organisations to closely follow developments in Nigeria.
It urged them to come out unambiguously in support of due process, judicial independence, and the democratic space necessary for free and fair elections.
El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the ICPC on charges of abuse of power, financial misconduct, and fraud while serving as governor.
The former governor is also facing prosecution by the Department of State Services for allegedly eavesdropping on the National Security Adviser’s communications.
