Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was granted temporary release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Egypt.
Hajiya Umma, said to be about 100 years old, died on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, where she had been receiving medical care after a period of illness. Her death was first announced by her grandson, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who described it as a painful loss and called for prayers for her soul.
Late Hajiya Umma
The development came while El-Rufai was still in detention over an ongoing ICPC investigation into alleged corruption and financial misconduct. He had been in custody since mid-February and was arraigned on a 10-count charge before a Federal High Court in Kaduna, with his bail application earlier adjourned to March 31.
Within hours of the announcement of his mother’s death, the ICPC approved his temporary release on compassionate grounds to enable him attend and perform her funeral rites. His son, Bashir El-Rufai, confirmed the release in a social media post late Friday, expressing gratitude to supporters while criticising the circumstances of his father’s detention.
The late matriarch’s passing also triggered an outpouring of condolences from prominent Nigerian leaders. President Bola Tinubu described her as a woman who lived a fulfilled life and raised children and grandchildren who contributed meaningfully to society, noting that the loss of a mother is deeply personal and painful.
Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, paid tribute to Hajiya Umma as a woman of “rare grace, moral clarity and quiet strength,” highlighting her compassion, humility and enduring influence within her community. He said her life was defined by service to others and prayed for strength for the bereaved family.
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, NSA
Similarly, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, expressed deep sorrow over her death, recalling her kindness and motherly disposition. He said he had fond memories of her and prayed that God grants her eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Reports indicate that the remains of the late Hajiya Umma were to be flown back to Nigeria for burial, with the Federal Government facilitating arrangements from Egypt. Her death came barely a week after the loss of a daughter-in-law in the family, compounding an already difficult period for the former governor.
El-Rufai’s temporary release does not affect the substantive case against him, which remains before the court. Proceedings are expected to resume as scheduled, with the judiciary set to determine the outcome of the charges and his pending bail application.
