Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, has expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Umma, mother of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The news of her passing was announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a post on X on Friday. She reportedly died in Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment.
In a condolence message, Ribadu said he was “deeply saddened” by her death, recalling fond personal moments and describing her as caring and motherly. He noted that the loss was painful and difficult to express in words.
He extended his sympathies to El-Rufai and the entire family, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time. “May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss,” he said.
The development comes amid ongoing legal issues involving El-Rufai. In February, the Department of State Services filed charges against him over alleged interception of Ribadu’s phone conversations—an allegation the former governor had earlier referenced during a television interview.
El-Rufai, who had been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 19 over alleged fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office, was recently released on compassionate grounds following his mother’s death.
He was arraigned earlier in the week alongside an associate, Joel Adoga, at a Federal High Court in Kaduna, where both pleaded not guilty. The court has adjourned the hearing of his bail application to March 31.
