El-Rufai Spent Detention Fasting And Studying Quran – Insider Reveals

An associate of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that the ex-governor devoted his time in detention to fasting, studying religious texts, and reading extensively.

Bashir Garba Sufyan, an ally of El-Rufai, shared details of the former governor’s activities during his custody in a post on his account shortly after El-Rufai regained freedom. According to Sufyan, El-Rufai focused on spiritual and intellectual pursuits throughout his detention.

“Alhamdulillah, Mallam is home with his family, friends, and associates. The first thing he told us was that, since his detention, he had been fasting until yesterday. He also completed the Holy Qur’an while in detention, read ten books, and authored some as well. And you wonder why he’s great and undefeated,” Sufyan said.

El-Rufai had been held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, 2026, following questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was later arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on a 10-count charge relating to alleged conversion of public property and money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty. The court adjourned his bail hearing to March 31.

The ICPC released El-Rufai shortly after news broke of the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, following a period of illness. His son, Bashir El-Rufai, later confirmed that the former governor had regained freedom. An ally also confirmed the release, though details of the circumstances were not disclosed.

Several prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, have extended condolences to El-Rufai over the loss of his mother. According to reports, the former governor has consistently denied all allegations against him.