El-Rufai granted bail by ICPC after mother’s death, allowing him attend funeral rites amid ongoing corruption trial

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

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The decision, confirmed on Friday, allows Mr El-Rufai to perform the funeral rites of his late mother, who died in Cairo, Egypt after a period of illness. She was reportedly about 100 years old.

The development was disclosed by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, in a post on X, where he announced his father’s release from custody.

The passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai has drawn tributes from prominent political figures, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described her as a remarkable matriarch whose life and values shaped generations.

“As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss,” President Tinubu said in a condolence message, expressing hope that her legacy would bring comfort to the family.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also conveyed his condolences, describing her death as painful while acknowledging the fulfilment of a long and impactful life. He noted that her passing on a Friday, the Islamic holy day, offered some solace.

Similarly, Uba Sani praised the late matriarch’s compassion, humility, and enduring influence within her community, describing her as a woman of “rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength.”

Nuhu Ribadu also paid tribute, recalling personal memories and her nurturing presence, while praying for strength for the bereaved family.

The loss comes barely a week after the death of Mr El-Rufai’s daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, compounding the family’s grief in what observers describe as a deeply emotional period.

Meanwhile, Mr El-Rufai remains entangled in legal proceedings, having been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and money laundering.

The case has been adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearing of pending applications, including his substantive bail request.

The temporary release underscores a humanitarian consideration amid ongoing prosecution, even as legal proceedings continue.