Ribadu, Uba Sani, Atiku Attend Burial of El-Rufai’s Mother

Prominent Nigerian figures, including Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, attended the Janazah (funeral prayer) for the late mother of Nasir el-Rufai at the Abuja National Mosque.

Last month, el-Rufai had alleged that Ribadu had ordered security operatives to arrest him. At the time of his mother’s death, the former Kaduna governor was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of fraud and abuse of office. He was, however, granted compassionate release to attend the burial rites.

Following the loss, Ribadu expressed his condolences to el-Rufai on social media, recalling fond memories of the late Umma.

Other notable attendees at the funeral included Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group; Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate; Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation; Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto; Shehu Sani, former Kaduna senator; and Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation.

Governors present included Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Umar Bago of Niger.

Umma’s remains were later interred at Gudu Cemetery in Apo following the completion of the Janazah prayer.