- Safiu Kehinde
Embattled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived at his Abuja residence after his release from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Comission’s custody (ICPC).
NPO earlier Reported that the ICPC had granted El-Rufai temporary bail from the custody on compassionate grounds following the demise of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday after a long period of illness.
While no official statement was issued by the commission to confirm the ex-Kaduna governor’s release, video shared on X on Saturday aftenoon showed El-Rufai arriving at his residence.
Friends, relatives, and associates had awaited his arrival.
The demise of El-Rufai’s mother who reportedly passed away in Egypt had since attracted tributes from his allies from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) camp with the likes of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressing their condolences to him.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also paid tribute extended well wishes to the founding member of the party.
President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, both took to their social media handles to condole the El-Rufai family over the loss.
Tinubu had in his condolence message to El-Rufai described the late Hajiya Umma as a remarkable matriarch who lived a fulfilled life and “raised children and grandchildren that have made significant contributions to Nigeria.”
The President said: “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.”
The former Governor who is one of the leading opposition figures against the administration of Tinubu, is currently being prosecuted over alleged abuse of office and financial impropiety.