You Can’t Visit El-Rufai, ICPC Writes ADC Leaders

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has told the African Democratic Party (ADC) that its leaders cannot visit Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, in its custody.

Daily Trust had reported how three leaders of the ADC – Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National Secretary of the ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, spokesman of the party, and Mallam Salihu Lukman, Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, – were denied access to El-Rufai, on Friday.

In a strongly worded statement, the party said it had previously written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai amid concerns raised by his family over the alleged denial of access to doctors and food.

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The ADC warned that “Nigeria and the world are watching,” insisting that the former governor was being subjected to intimidation and political persecution, while threatening to mobilise party members nationwide if access to him continues to be denied.

But in a letter addressed to Aregbesola, Chairman of the commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), explained why they could not be given access.

The letter signed on behalf of Aliyu by the Director of Operations, S. Yahaya, read “RE: PLANNED VISIT TO MALLAM NASIR EL-RUFAI

“Your request in respect of the above subject matter refers.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is standing trial before two courts i.e. the State High Court of Justice Kaduna and Federal High Court of Nigeria both sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State.Nigerian culture blog

“Though, the defendant is in the Commission’s custody by order of both courts, the court is fully seised of the matter. The court has granted access to the defendant to his family, doctors and counsels. These are the only category of persons granted access to see the defendant in the Commission’s custody.

“Consequently, the application cannot be granted. Please accept the assurances of the Hon. Chairman’s best regards, please.”