Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted temporary bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enable him perform the funeral rites of his late mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness.
El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, confirmed his father’s release in a post on X on Friday night, writing:
“Alhamdulillah. My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution. Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufai’s always do.”
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, reportedly about 100 years old, passed away just a week after the death of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai. Her death was announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a Facebook post expressing gratitude for her life and calling for prayers for her soul:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came, and to Him we shall all return. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago.”
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Hajiya El-Rufai as a woman who lived a remarkable life, raising children and grandchildren who have contributed significantly to the nation. He said:
“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his condolences, describing the matriarch’s death as a shocking development while acknowledging her fulfilled life:
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the El-Rufai family and friends, and pray that Allah accepts her soul and grants her Al-Janna Firdaus.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, paid tribute to her virtues, saying:
“Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength. She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service, extending kindness to the vulnerable and dignity to all who crossed her path.”
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described her as a caring figure with whom he shared fond memories:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss.”
El-Rufai is currently facing a 10-count corruption and money laundering charge at a Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.
As of now, details of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai’s burial arrangements have not been made public.
