Amanze Chinonye
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has died in Cairo, Egypt, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders and associates across Nigeria.
The family confirmed that the matriarch passed away on Friday after a period of illness. Her death was announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who disclosed the development in a Facebook post while calling for prayers and expressing gratitude for her life.
Widely regarded as the pillar of the El-Rufai family, the late Hajiya Umma is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tributes have described her as a woman of humility, compassion and quiet strength.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAmid the mourning, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) granted temporary bail to Nasir El-Rufai to enable him participate in the funeral rites of his mother.
Confirmation of his release came from his son, Bashir El-Rufai, who announced the development in a post on X late Friday.
“Alhamdulillah. My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution,” Bashir wrote.
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The family’s grief has been compounded by another recent loss, as Hajiya Umma El-Rufai’s death comes just a week after the passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recalling fond memories of the deceased’s warmth and motherly care.
He extended condolences to Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family, praying that Almighty Allah would forgive her shortcomings, grant her Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear the loss.
Other prominent figures, including Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, also sent condolence messages, joining in prayers for the repose of her soul.
Her death comes at a sensitive time for the family, amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be conducted in accordance with Islamic rites.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
