By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The mother of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, is dead, the family announced on Friday, March 27.
Her death was announced in a post on Facebook by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In the statement, Bello disclosed that the family matriarch passed away “a few hours ago,” expressing gratitude for her life and calling for prayers.
“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,” he wrote.
Bello El-Rufai added that the deceased was the biological mother of El-Rufai and prayed for the repose of her soul.
“We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. May He bless the souls of the parents we have lost. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers. Thank you,” he added.
As of the time of this report, details surrounding her death were not immediately available.
The matriarch’s demise comes amid the ongoing detention and trial of her son, Nasir El-Rufai, a development that makes his participation in his mother’s burial rites uncertain.
The burial will take place in line with Islamic traditions, which typically require prompt interment.
There has been no official confirmation regarding arrangements for the funeral or whether authorities will grant the former governor temporary release to participate in the burial.
Recall that El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) following his re-arrest after being initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His bail application is expected to be heard by the court on March 31.
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