By Prosper Mene
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of detained former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has died at an advanced age after a protracted illness.
She passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been residing with her son and receiving medical treatment since he left office as governor in 2023.
The news was announced by her grandson, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency. In a social media post, he wrote:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came and to Him we shall all return. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my Grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai who passed away a few hours ago. She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai. We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. May He bless the souls of the parents we have lost. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers.”
Hajiya Umma is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family sources described her as a devoted mother and matriarch who lived a fulfilled life.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. In a personal message, the President said:
“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.
Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.
As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker.
I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus.”
Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani also commiserated with the family. On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, he described the late Hajiya Umma as “not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength,” whose life was defined by compassion, humility, and service to humanity.
He added: “In this hour of grief, I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus. May He comfort the bereaved and grant them fortitude to endure this profound loss. Ameen.”
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu offered condolences, praying for the forgiveness of her shortcomings and eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted, describing the news as shocking and praying that Allah accepts her soul and grants her Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The family has requested prayers for the repose of Hajiya Umma’s soul.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus, and comfort the El-Rufai family at this difficult time. Ameen.
