Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the revered mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, following a period of prolonged illness. Her death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Nigeria's political landscape, with numerous prominent figures visiting or sending messages to the former governor at his Abuja residence.

The burial rites for the late Hajiya Umma El-Rufai were announced by her grandson, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency. The Janazah Prayer was scheduled to take place at 1:00 PM at the National Mosque in Central Area, Abuja, with the subsequent burial at Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja. Bello El-Rufai, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the prayers, visits, and well wishes received by the family.

Among the distinguished individuals who paid condolence visits to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at his Abuja residence was Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other notable figures who extended their sympathies included Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also sent their condolences.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who was approximately 100 years old at the time of her passing, died just days after her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai. Messages of condolence highlighted her legacy, with Abubakar Malami expressing that the loss of a mother is irreplaceable and praying for strength for El-Rufai. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also offered his sympathies, urging the family to find comfort in her life and praying for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased.

A significant development surrounding the funeral was the temporary release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). His son, Bashir El-Rufai, confirmed the release. El-Rufai had been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24, facing a 10-count charge of alleged corruption and money laundering, with his bail request awaiting hearing on March 31.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, commended the decision to grant El-Rufai temporary release as humane, but stressed that it must be backed by a valid court order since his remand was by court directive. Adeyanju emphasized that such a gesture reflects compassion and respect for human dignity, demonstrating a necessary balance between the enforcement of justice and the recognition of fundamental human values during moments of personal loss. He cautioned against misinterpreting temporary release as an evasion of accountability, noting that lawful accommodations exist within the justice system for deserving circumstances, thereby strengthening public confidence in institutions that are firm yet humane.