El-Rufai’s mother’s remains arrive Abuja for burial

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The remains of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have arrived in Abuja for burial, following her death in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday, March 27, after a brief illness.

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Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the deceased’s grandson and member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, confirmed the arrival and funeral arrangements in a statement posted on X on Sunday morning.

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“This is to notify the general public that the remains of our grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, has safely landed in Abuja.

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The Janazah Prayer is by 1 p.m. as announced last night. The prayers will take place at the National Mosque and she will be buried at Gudu Cemetery by the grace of God. May Allah SWT bless her soul and all those that passed away before her,” he wrote.

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Hajiya El-Rufai had reportedly been living with her son in Cairo, Egypt, before her passing.

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Her death and burial come at a particularly difficult moment for the El-Rufai family, as the former governor remains entangled in a high-profile legal battle.

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He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and money laundering, with the case adjourned to March 31 for hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

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He was, however, granted release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to attend the burial rites and be with his family during the period of mourning.

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Notable Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, have paid tributes to the late Hajiya El-Rufai, reflecting the esteem in which her family is held across the country’s political landscape.

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