El-Rufai Returns Home After ICPC Grants Temporary Release for Mother’s Burial

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has returned to his Abuja residence following a temporary release granted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enable him attend the burial of his late mother.

The former governor had been in the custody of the anti-graft agency since February 18 over allegations of financial misconduct before being released on compassionate grounds. His mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, died in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness.

Confirmation of his release came through his son, Bashir El-Rufai, who announced the development on social media, expressing gratitude while criticising the circumstances of his father’s detention.

El-Rufai’s release comes just days after his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where he was docked alongside Joel Adoga on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering and fraud. The ICPC alleges that he received severance payments far exceeding statutory limits during his tenure as governor, as well as foreign currency deposits suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

The former governor, who served from 2015 to 2023, has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. The case, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, has been adjourned to March 31 for consideration of pending applications, including bail.

Beyond the ICPC charges, El-Rufai is also facing a separate case involving the Department of State Services over alleged phone-tapping claims linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. That matter is scheduled for hearing later in April at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The development adds another layer to the high-profile legal challenges facing the former governor, whose tenure in Kaduna was marked by both controversial reforms and significant political influence.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the late Umma El-Rufai as a woman of strong values who raised children that have contributed to national development.

Observers say the case will continue to attract public attention as it unfolds, given its legal and political implications.