El-Rufai Breaks Down in Tears as Mother Laid to Rest in Abuja

El-Rufai Breaks Down in Tears as Mother Laid to Rest in Abuja

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was overcome with emotion on Sunday as his late mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, was laid to rest in Abuja, drawing sympathisers, political allies and dignitaries from across the country.

The solemn burial, held in accordance with Islamic rites, followed a janazah prayer earlier conducted in the nation’s capital, where family members, associates and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects. Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, according to family sources.

At the graveside, El-Rufai struggled to contain his grief as the remains of his mother were lowered into the ground. In a deeply emotional moment, he broke down in tears and was gently consoled by his son, who held him closely as prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased.

The burial attracted prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

El-Rufai’s attendance at the burial was made possible following his temporary release from custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he had been detained over ongoing investigations.

He had been in custody since mid-February 2026 over allegations bordering on corruption and financial misconduct before being granted compassionate release to enable him participate in the funeral rites.

An ICPC source had earlier indicated that the decision to release him was based on humanitarian grounds following the death of his mother, allowing him to mourn with his family during the difficult period.

The former governor’s legal challenges have continued to generate public attention, coming amid multiple cases reportedly filed against him in different courts.

Despite the ongoing investigations, Sunday’s burial shifted focus momentarily from politics and legal battles to a deeply personal loss.

Clerics at the late matriarch’s burial urged the family to take solace in her life and legacy. Several speakers described her as a pillar of strength whose influence shaped the values and public life of her son.