Following the passing of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai received condolences from former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
After a period of sickness, the late matriarch reportedly passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her age was estimated to be around 100.
Malami informed El-Rufai of his prayers and support at the trying time in a post on his 𝕏 Twitter on Saturday, characterizing the death as a significant loss.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants her Aljannatul Firdaus and gives you the strength and fortitude to bear this sad loss because a mother’s death is an irreplaceable loss,” he said.
Malami also noted the difficulties the former governor is currently facing, as he is being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission due to accusations of money laundering and corruption.
“Please know that you have my prayers, solidarity, and unshakable support during this time of bereavement and in the face of your current difficulties. I pray for you during these stressful and challenging times. He said, “May her lovely soul rest in perfect peace.
In a comment posted on X, Kwankwaso expressed her grief for the deceased matriarch and described the loss of a mother as extremely difficult.
He remarked, “Losing a mother is a profound and irreplaceable wound that time cannot fully heal.”
But he encouraged the family to find comfort in the legacy she left behind.
“Yet, in this moment of grief, may you find comfort in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind: a life well-lived that blessed the world with remarkable children, including a son like Malam Nasir,” said Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso asked the family to grieve patiently and prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and mercy from God.
Bello El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai’s grandson, had earlier announced her passing in a Facebook post.
“We are both lillahi and ilayhi raji’un.” We come from Allah SWT, and we will all return to Him. He tweeted, “I would want to let the public know that my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, died away a few hours ago.
Nasir El-Rufai was granted provisional bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in order to attend his mother’s funeral.
On Friday night, Bashir El-Rufai, his son, posted on his 𝕏 Twitter to confirm the release.
On March 24, the former governor was brought before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on ten counts that included allegations of money laundering and corruption.
In order to hear ongoing applications, including his bail request, the case has been postponed until March 31, 2026.
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu are among the notable Nigerians who have honored the late matriarch.
Her departure occurs just one week after her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, passed away, adding to the El-Rufai family’s grief.
