El-Rufai freed after mother’s death

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted temporary bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

The former governor was released to enable him attend and perform the burial rites of his late mother, who died in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness.

His son, Bashir El-Rufai, confirmed the development in a post on X on Friday night, expressing gratitude over his father’s release.

“Alhamdulillah… my father is being released,” he wrote, while also thanking supporters of the family.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, said to be about 100 years old, died on Friday, with her passing coming barely a week after the death of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai.

Her death was earlier announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who called for prayers and described her as a matriarch whose life was devoted to faith and family.

Tributes have since poured in from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

In a statement, President Tinubu condoled with El-Rufai, noting that losing a mother is a deeply painful experience and praying that the family finds strength in her long and fulfilled life.

The President added that the late matriarch lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have made meaningful contributions to society.