By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted temporary bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt.

The temporary release allows the former governor to participate in the funeral rites of his late mother, who reportedly died at about 100 years old after a period of illness.

The development was confirmed on Friday night by El-Rufai’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, in a post shared on his X account.

According to him, the former governor was released from ICPC custody after days of detention tied to corruption and money laundering allegations currently before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai was arrested earlier and arraigned on March 24, 2026, on a 10-count charge related to alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.

The court adjourned the case until March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his formal bail request.

The temporary release granted by the anti-corruption agency is specifically to enable him attend burial arrangements for his late mother.

The death of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was first announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who shared the news on Facebook while asking the public to pray for her soul.

Her passing adds to the family’s grief, coming just a week after the death of Safiya Ali Rufai, a daughter-in-law of the former governor.

Several prominent Nigerian leaders have since expressed condolences to the family.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late matriarch as a woman who lived a remarkable and fulfilled life.

He said her legacy was reflected in the achievements of her children and grandchildren.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also mourned her passing, highlighting her kindness, humility, and commitment to community values.

As of the time of filing this report, the El-Rufai family had yet to announce official burial arrangements for the late matriarch.