More trouble for El-Rufai as mother dies in Egypt

Immediate past governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai has lost his mother, Hajiya Umma.

She died in Egypt on Friday, where she had been receiving care prior to her passing.

El-Rufai was with her in Egypt but returned to Nigeria to honour an invitation from anti-graft agencies before her death.

The former governor has recently been linked to investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure in Kaduna State, allegations he has denied.

Hajiya Umma’s death comes barely one week after the former governor lost his sister-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, who died on March 20, 2026, after a brief illness.

The El-Rufai family confirmed the latest loss describing it as a painful moment for the entire household.

Family sources disclosed that the late matriarch had been battling age-related health challenges, which reportedly worsened in recent times.

Sources further indicated that her condition deteriorated amid recent developments involving the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Until her passing, it was gathered that El-Rufai had been closely involved in managing his mother’s health.

The family prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.

The development comes as El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which has confirmed he is being held in connection with an ongoing investigation.

He was recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on a ten-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and fraud. The court subsequently ordered that he remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been adjourned to March 31, 2026.