Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the beloved mother of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has passed away. She died on Friday, March 27, in Cairo, Egypt, after an illness. This sad news comes at a particularly challenging time for her son, who is currently in custody.

Her grandson, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, was the first to confirm her demise through a heartfelt post on Facebook. He wrote, “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. She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai. We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. May He bless the soul of the parents we have lost. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers. Thank you.”

Nasir El-Rufai's current predicament casts a shadow over this family bereavement. He was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 10-count charge, which includes allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering. This arraignment followed a month-long detention. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of his bail application to March 31.

Adding to the family's grief, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai's passing occurred just days after the family also lost El-Rufai's sister-in-law, Safiya Rufai, who died after an illness.

Prominent figures have extended their condolences to the El-Rufai family. President Bola Tinubu conveyed his profound sympathy to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, noting the depth of the loss. In a message issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Hajiya Umma as a matriarch who lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have significantly contributed to the nation. The President was quoted saying, “Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss. Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family. As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker. I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus.”

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also commiserated with El-Rufai, despite their recent political differences. In a message shared on X, Mr. Ribadu expressed deep sadness, recalling fond memories of Hajiya Umma and her motherly care, and prayed for her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning a suit filed by El-Rufai against the ICPC and other parties, seeking the enforcement of his rights. At a recent hearing, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik noted that the second respondent had not been served, prompting El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, to apply for an adjournment to regularise the process, a request that was not opposed by other lawyers representing the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

It is important to note the political context surrounding Nasir El-Rufai. He was a key supporter of President Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election. However, his nomination as a minister was rejected by the Senate, leading to anti-corruption agencies commencing probes into his tenure as Kaduna governor. El-Rufai has reportedly blamed Mr. Ribadu for his ordeal, and he later joined an opposition party, ADC, becoming a fierce critic of the President.