FG frees El-Rufai for mother’s burial, lawyer applauds

A lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has praised the Federal Government for allowing former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to attend his mother’s burial.

El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, died on Friday in Cairo, where she had been receiving medical treatment.

Although El-Rufai is currently in detention over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, authorities allowed him to temporarily leave custody to attend her funeral.

Many people see this as a humane and compassionate decision.

In a statement released in Abuja, Adeyanju said the government showed kindness by granting the request. However, he added that such a decision should follow proper legal procedures, especially since El-Rufai was being held based on a court order.

He explained that allowing El-Rufai to attend the burial shows a balance between enforcing the law and respecting human dignity.

Adeyanju also said that granting temporary release or bail should not be seen as avoiding justice, but as a legal and compassionate action when necessary.

El-Rufai has been under investigation following statements he made after leaving office.

He had publicly criticised some government officials and raised concerns about corruption and national security issues.

These claims led to investigations by authorities, who also accused him of financial misconduct and abuse of office during his time in government.

He was later arrested and taken into custody after a court approved his detention while the case continues.

His temporary release to attend his mother’s funeral highlights how the justice system can sometimes allow detained individuals to fulfill important family responsibilities under strict conditions.