ICPC Grants El-Rufai Temporary Release on Compassionate Grounds to Attend Mother’s Funeral

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has granted former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a temporary compassionate release from custody following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, where she was receiving medical treatment. The news of her demise was announced by family members, including her grandson.

El-Rufai’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, confirmed the release in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, describing the development as allowing his father to participate in the burial rites. He had initially called the detention “unlawful and illegal,” though the post was later deleted amid reports of some confusion around the exact terms of the release. Sources close to the ICPC confirmed that the former governor was released on compassionate grounds to mourn his mother and attend her funeral arrangements. Her remains are expected to be flown back to Nigeria for burial.c69225

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since mid-February 2026 over allegations of financial misconduct, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as governor—charges he has consistently denied. He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24, 2026, on a 10-count charge, with his bail hearing adjourned to March 31, 2026.

The ICPC’s decision comes hours after the family tragedy, allowing El-Rufai to return home temporarily in Abuja to join relatives for the funeral rites.

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other political figures have reportedly sent condolences to the El-Rufai family.

This development has sparked mixed reactions online, with some viewing the release as a humane gesture during a difficult time for the family, while others have questioned the timing and called for the anti-graft agency to clarify the conditions of the temporary bail.

El-Rufai is expected to return to custody or appear in court as scheduled on March 31, depending on the terms of his release.