The national security adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed grief over the passing of Hajiya Umma, the mother of former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
Bello el-Rufai, the ex-governor’s son, confirmed the death of his grandmother in a post on X on Friday.
Umma reportedly died in Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment.
In a condolence message shared on X, Ribadu said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, reflecting on personal moments he shared with the deceased.
“I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care,” he said.
Ribadu described the loss as profound, noting that words may not fully capture the pain of such a moment.
He extended his sympathies to el-Rufai and his family, praying for strength and comfort during their time of mourning.
“May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss,” he wrote.
Alleged wiretapping
In February, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against el-Rufai over allegations of intercepting Ribadu’s telephone conversation.
During an appearance on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, el-Rufai claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to hear the NSA directing security operatives to arrest him.
El-Rufai, who had been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, was released on compassionate grounds on Friday following his mother’s death.
On Tuesday, he was arraigned alongside Joel Adoga at the federal high court in Kaduna on charges related to alleged money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office.
Both the former minister and Adoga pleaded not guilty, with the court adjourning the bail hearing to March 31.