Former Nasir El-Rufai has been granted temporary bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

The release allows him to carry out funeral rites for his late mother, who died on Friday in Cairo after an illness.

His son, Bashir, confirmed the development in a social media post, saying: “Alhamdulillah. My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.

“Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufai’s always do.”

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, believed to be about 100 years old, died just days after the passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai.

Her death was earlier announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who wrote: “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.”

Tributes have since poured in from top figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

Tinubu, in his condolence message, said:

“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo.

“As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.

“Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.”

Also reacting, Atiku said: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the El-Rufai family and friends, and pray that Allah accepts her soul and grants her Al-Janna Firdaus.”

Governor Sani described the deceased as a woman of strong values and compassion, noting:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength.”

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also paid tribute, saying: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss.

“My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss.”

El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody over alleged corruption and money laundering charges. He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge, with proceedings adjourned to March 31, 2026, for further hearing, including his bail application.

As of the time of filing this report, burial arrangements for Hajiya Umma El-Rufai had not been announced.