By Our Correspondent

National News – Abuja-based constitutional lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has praised the Federal Government for granting temporary release to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to attend the burial of his late mother.

The humanitarian decision followed the death of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had reportedly been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Adeyanju described the move as compassionate and appropriate, noting that the government’s action balanced legal responsibility with respect for family obligations.

According to him, allowing El-Rufai to participate in his mother’s burial rites demonstrates empathy within the justice system while maintaining the rule of law.

The lawyer explained that El-Rufai was released temporarily from custody under the watch of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), where he had been detained following corruption-related allegations and abuse-of-office claims.

The former governor had earlier been remanded in custody by a court after being arraigned by the anti-graft agency.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Adeyanju stressed that although the decision reflects compassion, it must remain consistent with legal procedures since El-Rufai’s detention resulted from a valid court order.

He said the release should ideally be backed by a formal court directive to ensure transparency and compliance with judicial processes.

“Granting temporary release to attend a parent’s burial is humane and commendable,” Adeyanju said, adding that bail or compassionate release should never be mistaken for immunity from legal accountability.

El-Rufai’s legal troubles stem partly from a series of high-profile allegations he made after leaving office.

His criticisms of certain political and security structures reportedly triggered federal investigations and public controversy.

Authorities also cited alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor as grounds for prosecution.

The ICPC maintained that sufficient evidence existed to warrant his remand while investigations and legal proceedings continue.

Despite the ongoing case, the temporary release has been widely interpreted as a humanitarian gesture within Nigeria’s justice framework.

In similar situations, courts and law enforcement agencies sometimes permit detainees to attend significant family events under strict supervision.

Adeyanju concluded that such decisions reinforce the principle that justice and human dignity can coexist within the legal system.