Abubakar Malami, SAN, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has expressed his deep condolences to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
Hajiya Umma passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment for age-related health complications. She was reportedly about 100 years old. Her death was officially announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who serves as the lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.
In a statement released on Saturday, Malami described the loss as “profound and irreplaceable,” offering prayers for the repose of her soul and for the family to find the strength to navigate this difficult period.
National Tributes and Temporary Release
The death of the El-Rufai matriarch has drawn a wave of sympathy from across Nigeria’s political spectrum:
- President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the former governor, stating that “losing a mother is a pain unlike any other” and praising Hajiya Umma for raising children who have contributed significantly to the nation.
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the current Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, also sent messages of support, describing her as a woman of rare grace and moral clarity.
- National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu shared fond memories of her motherly care, urging the family to find solace in the remarkable life she led.
In a significant development following the news, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reportedly granted Nasir El-Rufai temporary bail from custody on Friday night. The former governor has been in detention since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct. The temporary release was approved to allow him to perform the funeral rites for his mother.
This loss comes at a particularly trying time for the family; Hajiya Umma’s passing occurred just one week after the death of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, compounding the family’s grief.
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