El-Rufai Granted Bail After Mother’s Death

Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam 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 decision allows him step out of custody briefly to attend and perform the burial rites of his late mother, who passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness.

His release was confirmed by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, in a post shared late Friday.

“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,” he wrote.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, believed to be about 100 years old, was a respected matriarch known for her quiet influence within her family and community. Her death came barely a week after the passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, deepening the grief within the family.

The news of her death was earlier announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who called for prayers and reflected on her life.

“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,” he wrote.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country.

President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the late Hajiya El-Rufai as a woman who lived a fulfilled life and raised a family that has contributed to national development.

He said he understood the pain of losing a mother and prayed for strength for the former governor.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed sympathy, noting that her passing, though painful, came after a life of impact. He prayed for her soul and comfort for the family.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in his message, praised her for her humility, compassion and dedication to humanity. He said her influence extended beyond her immediate family into the wider community.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also mourned her, recalling her kindness and motherly role over the years.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai remains under investigation by the ICPC over allegations of corruption and money laundering. He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge.

The court adjourned the case to March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his formal bail request.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the burial arrangements of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai have not been made public.