The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed a security officer accused of breaching established procedures to facilitate an unauthorised visit to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while in the commission’s custody.

The officer, identified as Daniel Stephen and attached to the ICPC’s internal security team, was reportedly found to have assisted Aichatou Assabe El-Rufai, one of the former governor’s wives, to gain access to the commission’s premises on July 5, 2026.

Stephen was allegedly captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) taking Assabe into the facility through a back entrance rather than the designated visitor access point.

According to details of an investigation conducted by an internal panel, the security officer later admitted his role in a handwritten statement submitted to the panel.

Stephen reportedly acknowledged that he helped Assabe reach El-Rufai “through the back door”, despite knowing that she had not completed the required visitor clearance process.

He was said to have driven her into the premises, escorted her through the rear entrance and taken her upstairs to the area where El-Rufai was being detained.

An ICPC source quoted by the report said Stephen’s statement indicated that he switched off the light at one point before accompanying Assabe into the room where the former governor was being held.

The source further alleged that Assabe handed El-Rufai a document, picked up a black purse and discussed a court-related matter with him in Hausa.

The encounter reportedly lasted about 15 minutes before Stephen escorted her out through the same route and drove her away from the commission’s premises.

During questioning, Stephen was said to have admitted that the visit violated the commission’s security protocols.

He reportedly explained that visitors were expected to have their details documented at the gate and obtain clearance from the head of the security unit before being permitted to proceed into the facility.

In his written statement, Stephen allegedly accepted responsibility for the breach, stating: “I agree that I am wrong and breached commission procedure.”

He also reportedly stated that the statement was made voluntarily and without coercion or duress.

However, investigators were said to have raised concerns that the incident may not have been an isolated occurrence.

According to ICPC insiders, Stephen’s account allegedly revealed that he had previously assisted Assabe further into the commission’s premises while officials were still verifying her identity.

The officer was also said to have told investigators that, on another occasion, a man who identified himself as El-Rufai’s blood brother approached him after he had assisted Assabe.

Stephen allegedly agreed to help the man gain access and similarly brought him into the facility through the rear entrance.

The development comes amid the continued detention of El-Rufai by the ICPC.

The former governor has been in the commission’s custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is facing allegations bordering on money laundering and conversion of public property, allegations he has denied.