Kaduna gov attends funeral prayer for El-Rufai’s mother

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Sunday joined mourners at the National Mosque in Abuja for the janazah (funeral) prayer of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

A video circulating on social media captured the moment Sani arrived at the mosque, where a large crowd had gathered for the Islamic funeral rite.

Hajiya Umma died on Friday, March 27, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving medical care after a brief period of declining health.

Her grandson, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, had announced earlier that her remains arrived from Cairo to Abuja on Sunday for burial.

Sani had earlier extended condolences on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and its people. In a statement, he described the late Hajiya Umma as “a devoted mother and matriarch, a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength,” who embodied faith, patience, generosity, and community reconciliation.

“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,” Sani said.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, while comforting the bereaved family.

President Bola Tinubu also commiserated with El-Rufai, acknowledging the pain of losing a mother.

“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,” the President said through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The death came at a time when Nasir El-Rufai was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission following his arrest over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge, with the case adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

He was, however, granted release from ICPC custody, reportedly to attend the burial rites and be with his family.

Culled from punch