The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from custody following his mother’s death on Friday.
El-Rufai’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, announced this on X on Friday, though he later deleted the post.
“My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful & illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which 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-Rufais always do,” he wrote.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, whom El-Rufai had repeatedly claimed was behind his ordeal, mourned the death of Mrs El-Rufai.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family.
“I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss.
“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,” Mr Ribadu wrote on X.
El‑Rufai, who the ICPC has detained since 18 February, is facing allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor of Kaduna state between May 2015 and May 2023.
He was rearrested on 19 February shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him, having earlier detained him for two days over similar allegations.
ICPC arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on corruption charges on Tuesday.
The court ordered him to remain in ICPC’s custody pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for 31 March.
ICPC releases El-Rufai to mourn mother
