The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother.
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that the former governor was granted temporary release to enable him participate in the burial rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday while receiving medical treatment abroad.
An official familiar with the development described the move as humanitarian, stating, “He was granted compassionate bail yesterday to bury his mother. That is all I can confirm. It is a sensitive issue.”
El-Rufai had been in ICPC custody since February following his arrest over alleged corruption-related offences, including money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office. He was recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a former aide, where both men pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court had ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application, which is scheduled for March 31.
The decision to release him, however, has sparked debate within legal and public circles, particularly regarding whether the anti-corruption agency acted within the bounds of the court’s remand order. Some legal practitioners have questioned the procedure, noting that a defendant held by court order is typically released only with the court’s approval.
The development comes amid an outpouring of condolences to the former governor and his family. President Bola Tinubu and other political figures have expressed sympathy over the loss, describing the late matriarch as a respected figure who lived a meaningful life.
