The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer accused of helping Aichatou Assabe el-Rufai, one of Nasir el-Rufai’s wives, bypass security procedures to visit the former Kaduna governor in custody.

The officer, identified as Daniel Stephen, was reportedly caught on CCTV assisting the woman to enter the commission’s premises through an unauthorised route. His dismissal followed an internal investigation into the incident.

Stephen, who was attached to the ICPC’s internal security team, said in a handwritten statement that the incident happened on Sunday, July 5, 2026. He admitted helping Mrs el-Rufai enter the facility through what he described as the “back door”.

According to ICPC insiders, Stephen drove her into the premises, took her through the rear entrance and escorted her upstairs to the section where el-Rufai was being held. The visit reportedly lasted about 15 minutes.

An ICPC officer told TheCable that Mrs el-Rufai handed her husband a document, picked up a black purse and spoke with him in Hausa about a court matter before leaving through the same entrance.

Stephen acknowledged that the visit did not comply with ICPC security procedures. He said visitors were required to have their details recorded at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before entering.

In his statement, Stephen admitted breaching the commission’s rules, writing: “I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure.” He also stated that his account was made voluntarily and without coercion or duress.

ICPC sources said the investigation also uncovered an earlier incident in which Stephen allegedly helped another person gain access further into the facility. He reportedly said the man claimed to be el-Rufai’s blood brother and that he also assisted him through the back entrance.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is facing trial over allegations of money laundering and conversion of public property.

The development comes weeks after el-Rufai filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the ICPC, alleging that the commission denied his wife and son access to him while in custody. He is seeking several orders, including an apology and damages from the commission.