Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Loses Mother Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings

KADUNA, NIGERIA — The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the passing of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. The news was confirmed on Friday afternoon via a public statement issued by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came and to Him we shall all return,” the statement read. “I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother... We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul.”

The family has requested prayers from the public during this period of mourning.

Legal Challenges and Recent Arraignment

The personal loss coincides with a period of significant legal pressure for the former governor. Earlier this week, Mr. El-Rufai was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on a 10-count charge involving allegations of money laundering and financial impropriety.

Under heavy security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. El-Rufai entered a plea of not guilty. Key details regarding the legal proceedings include:

• Nature of Charges: The prosecution alleges financial irregularities, specifically regarding deposits into domiciliary accounts and the monetization of earnings.

• Defense Position: Mr. El-Rufai’s legal team maintains his innocence, asserting that he is directly linked to only one of the ten counts filed.

• Court Schedule: The presiding judge has adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026, to begin the trial and hear pending applications, including a request for bail.

Current Status

While a bail application has been filed, the court did not hear the motion during the initial arraignment. Consequently, the former governor remains in custody pending the upcoming hearing at the end of the month.

The passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai adds a layer of personal tragedy to a complex week for the El-Rufai family as they navigate both bereavement and high-profile litigation.