Malami, Kwankwaso Console El-Rufai On Mother’s Death

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have extended their condolences to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

The late Hajiya Umma reportedly passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. She was said to have been around 100 years old.

According to reports, Malami expressed that the loss was profound, offering prayers and support to El-Rufai during the difficult period. In a post on his account, he wrote: “The death of a mother is an irreplaceable loss. I pray that Almighty Allah grants her Aljannatul Firdaus and gives you strength and fortitude to bear this sad loss.”

Malami also acknowledged the former governor’s ongoing legal challenges, noting: “In this moment of grief and in the face of your current challenges, please be assured of my prayers, solidarity, and unwavering support. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Kwankwaso similarly mourned the passing on , describing a mother’s loss as “profound and irreplaceable, a wound that time can never fully heal.” He encouraged the family to take comfort in the legacy she leaves behind, writing: “Yet, in this moment of grief, may you find comfort in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind: a life well-lived that blessed the world with remarkable children, including a son like Malam Nasir.”

The death of Hajiya Umma was first announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who posted on Facebook: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came, and to Him we shall all return. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago.”

Following her death, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) granted Nasir El-Rufai temporary bail to enable him to attend funeral rites, confirmed by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, on .

El-Rufai had been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge related to alleged corruption and money laundering. The case has been adjourned until March 31, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, also paid tribute to the late matriarch. Her death follows closely the recent passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, deepening the grief within the family.