Former Kaduna State governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), an associate and his son confirmed to Daily Trust on Friday.
El-Rufai had been held by the ICPC since February 19. His detention followed a 48-hour interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ICPC had subsequently arraigned him on a 10-count charge alleging conversion of public property and money laundering. He was brought before a Federal High Court in Kaduna, which adjourned his bail application until March 31.
The release came hours after the death of El-Rufai’s mother in Cairo, Egypt. Family sources said the decision to free the former governor appeared to be on compassionate grounds to allow preparations for the repatriation of her remains, expected to arrive from Cairo on Saturday.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations against him. Bashir El-Rufai, his son, confirmed to Daily Trust that his father had been set free, while an ally of the former governor also verified the release but declined to give further details.
President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani and former ICPC chairman Malam Nuhu Ribadu have all condoled with El-Rufai over his loss. The developments have prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some users characterizing the matter as a private family ordeal among public figures.
