El-Rufai

By Uzair Adam

Media Adviser to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying his principal access to medical treatment while in custody.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Adekeye alleged that El-Rufai, who had been suffering from swollen, reddish and itchy eyes, repeatedly requested medical attention but was denied by officials of the anti-corruption agency.

According to him, although the former governor was taken to an eye clinic on June 4, his condition worsened afterward, causing concern among family members who visited him in detention.

“ICPC officials denied requests by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to see a doctor. He had complained about his eyes, which are visibly swollen, reddish and itchy.

His family drew the attention of the operatives to his condition and his request for a hospital visit,” the statement said.

Adekeye further alleged that despite being aware of El-Rufai’s condition, the commission failed to arrange further medical care and instead misrepresented his position to family members.

He claimed that an official identified as Henry informed a member of the family that El-Rufai did not wish to see a doctor, an assertion the family strongly disputed.

The aide also criticised the commission for allegedly disregarding a court order obtained by El-Rufai’s lawyers to facilitate access to medical treatment while in custody.

“No agency of government is allowed to be indifferent to the medical condition of a person in its custody.

The ICPC must respect the rights of persons in its custody, obey court orders and allow them access to the medical treatment they require,” Adekeye said.

The allegation comes weeks after El-Rufai’s family accused the commission of denying him access to his personal doctor and restricting food deliveries brought by relatives. The ICPC had previously denied the claims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking access to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the denial of a party delegation to visit him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A delegation comprising the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; and Salihu Lukman, Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, was refused entry to see El-Rufai, who remains in ICPC custody.

According to the party, the situation escalated when at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the facility, creating a tense atmosphere. The ADC described the heavy security deployment as disproportionate and unnecessary, given the peaceful nature of the delegation.

“The heavy deployment… created the unmistakable impression that the authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders at the Commission could trigger public outrage,” the party said in a statement signed by Abdullahi.

The ADC noted that it had previously written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai amid concerns raised by his family over alleged denial of access to doctors and food. The party recalled that Hajiya Asia El-Rufai had publicly alleged that her husband was refused access to his doctor and that she was prevented from delivering food to him.

While acknowledging that the ICPC has denied these allegations, the ADC insisted that the continued refusal to allow party leaders to see El-Rufai deepens suspicions about the nature of his detention.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities. Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment under the law,” the statement read.

The ADC warned that “Nigeria and the world are watching” and demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, doctors, lawyers, and party leaders, threatening to mobilise party members nationwide if access continues to be denied.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed fresh money laundering charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and seven others over an alleged ₦10.8 billion CCTV security project fraud.

The 11-count charge, filed on April 17, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, invokes the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly approved an ₦8.68 billion CCTV contract in December 2015 to a company the commission claims lacked the requisite competence. The ICPC further alleges that between 2017 and 2022, multiple large sums were received and transferred by individuals and firms linked to the project, including Singularity Network Security Limited and other unnamed entities.

Other defendants include Jimi Lawal, a former Kaduna State government official, senior executives of IHS Towers, and five companies. Bashir El-Rufai, one of the former governor’s sons, was named in the allegations but is not listed as a defendant.

This marks the third set of charges the ICPC has filed against El-Rufai since March. He is already facing separate corruption cases over a light rail contract and alleged illegal severance payments — all of which he has previously denied.

The State Security Service (SSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are also investigating or prosecuting the former governor over other allegations.

By Anas Abbas


Journalists were denied access to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where a ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was expected.

This, created tension around the court premises, as media personnel were prevented from covering the proceedings despite heightened public interest in the case. Amid the restricted access, Muhammed Bello El-Rufai, the son of the Mallam Nasiru Elrufai, confirmed that the court had granted bail to his father.

Although details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed, the confirmation fueled reactions among supporters and observers who had gathered at the venue.

The situation underscored the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor, who has been facing multiple charges in recent weeks.

Yet,there was no official statement from court authorities explaining why journalists were barred from the courtroom.
Further details on the bail terms and subsequent proceedings are expected to emerge as the case continues.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, into custody at the federal high court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai appeared in court on Wednesday after operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought him forward for a hearing on his bail request.

The DSS later assumed custody of the former governor after the court adjourned its ruling on the bail application until April 14.

The ICPC had earlier arraigned el-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga on March 24 over allegations related to fraud and money laundering. Both defendants denied the charges when they were presented before the court.

After the session, Oluwole Iyamu, counsel to el-Rufai, expressed optimism about the outcome of the pending decision.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14. We look forward to that day. We are hopeful,” he said.

“We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court.”

Iyamu also addressed another case involving the DSS, which is scheduled for April 10 at the federal high court in Abuja. He stated that the legal team is prepared for the proceedings.

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

Earlier in February, the DSS filed a three-count charge against el-Rufai over allegations of unlawful interception of a telephone conversation. The case followed remarks he made during a television interview.

While speaking on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television, el-Rufai alleged that “someone wiretapped” Nuhu Ribadu’s phone, which allowed him to hear instructions from the National Security Adviser directing security operatives to arrest him.

By Nasir Yakub

In moments like these, society often reveals not just its opinions—but its depth of understanding.

The criticism directed at Prof. Isa Ali Pantami for attempting reconciliation between Nasir El-Rufai and Uba Sani during a moment of grief is not entirely surprising. What is surprising, however, is how quickly we rush to question sincerity where reflection is most needed.

We often speak about peace as if it should arrive only under perfect conditions, carefully scheduled, emotionally neutral, politically convenient. But history, human nature, and even faith teach us otherwise: true reconciliation rarely waits for ideal timing. It finds its way through cracks, through pain, through loss, through moments when the soul is stripped of its usual pride.

A funeral is not just a ceremony of farewell. It is a confrontation with reality. It is a silent sermon louder than any speech. In such moments, hearts soften, egos retreat, and the illusion of permanence fades. If there is ever a time when a word of peace can penetrate deeply, it is then.

So what did Pantami truly do?

He recognized a moment many would ignore.
He spoke where many would remain silent.
He acted where others would hesitate out of fear of perception.

And yet, he is criticized, not for division, but for daring to suggest unity.

Let us ask ourselves honestly:

If he had remained silent, would these same voices not accuse him of cowardice? Of political bias? Of abandoning the moral responsibility to speak truth?

We must be careful not to create a society where every action is condemned and every silence is also condemned. That is not accountability; that is confusion.

To those who argue that reconciliation is misplaced because of past betrayals, one must ask: is politics not a landscape of shifting alliances? Did differences between Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai prevent gestures of humanity in times of grief? Today, former adversaries stand side by side. Yesterday’s distance becomes today’s alliance.

This is not hypocrisy. This is reality. And perhaps, more importantly, it is a reminder that human relationships are larger than political disagreements.

Peace is not weakness.
Reconciliation is not surrender.
And timing, as we often misunderstand it, is not always about comfort; it is about opportunity.

Prof. Pantami did not force reconciliation. He did not impose unity. He simply opened a door.

Whether those involved walk through it or not is their choice. But opening that door, at a moment when hearts are most receptive, is not insensitivity. It is wisdom.

In the end, the real question is not whether the timing was perfect. The real question is:

When the opportunity for peace presented itself… would you have chosen silence?

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday, March 27, 2026.

In a statement released on Saturday, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, confirmed that the funeral (Janazah) prayer will be held today at the National Mosque in Central Area, Abuja, commencing at 1:00 pm. The burial is scheduled to follow immediately at Gudu Cemetery in Apo.

The announcement described the deceased as a beloved grandmother, requesting prayers from the public. The family expressed gratitude for the visits, well-wishes, and condolences received during their time of grief.

Hon. Bello El-Rufai, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement on behalf of the family elders, praying for Allah’s mercy upon the departed.

“May Allah SWT bless her soul and grant her the highest level of Aljannatul Firdausi,” the statement read.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bashir El-Rufai has announced that his father, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from detention, a development that has again drawn attention to the former governor’s strained relationship with the current administration.

In a post shared on his verified X account, Bashir wrote, “Alhamdulillah,” before alleging that his father “is being released from his unlawful & 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.”

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

Background to the Detention

Details surrounding the detention were around alleged tapping of NSA Ribadu’s phone calls, as no official statement has been issued by the agency allegedly involved. However, the incident comes amid a period of political tension involving the former governor.

Nasir El-Rufai, a key former figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and an early supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw his relationship with the administration deteriorate after the 2023 general elections.

His ministerial nomination by President Tinubu was withheld by the Senate, which cited security concerns. The decision marked a turning point in his standing within the ruling party and sparked speculation of internal disagreements.

Fallout With the Tinubu Administration

Since then, El-Rufai has made several public comments that analysts interpret as critical of the government. He has spoken about governance challenges and internal party dynamics, fueling perceptions of a rift between him and key figures in the administration.

While he has directly declared opposition to President Tinubu, his absence from the current government and his occasional remarks have kept him at the center of political discussions.

Observers say the reported detention and subsequent release may further deepen debates about political alignments within and outside the APC, especially as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor relevant authorities have provided clarification on the circumstances of the detention or confirmed the claims made by Bashir El-Rufai.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed sadness and extended his condolences to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Ribadu made this known in a message shared on his Facebook page, where he said:

“Inna lilLahi wa inna illahir 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.”

Reports confirm that Hajiya Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, a development that has thrown her family and associates into mourning.

Ribadu’s condolence message has drawn attention, especially amid perceived political differences between the two prominent figures.

Meanwhile, many Nigerians have continued to send in messages of sympathy and prayers, asking Allah to forgive her and grant her eternal rest.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has explained his decision to remain silent during interrogation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing the investigation as politically motivated.

In written statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, El-Rufai said his refusal to answer questions was deliberate and based on legal advice.

He maintained that he was exercising his constitutional right to silence and would only address any allegations before a competent court of law.

The former governor stated that after nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judicial authority rather than seek further explanations from him.

He argued that only a judge could determine whether the probe amounted to political persecution.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, also outlined his educational and professional background in his initial statement, noting his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, as well as at Harvard University and the University of London.

He recounted his career in public service, including his roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The ICPC had secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain him, with the order set to expire on March 5, 2026.

Should the agency fail to file charges before then, he may regain his freedom upon the lapse of the court-approved detention.

In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his stance, stressing that he would not respond to additional documents or questions outside the courtroom, again citing his constitutional rights.

The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing standoff between the former governor and the anti-corruption agency, as attention now turns to whether formal charges will be filed before the remand period expires.