Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s funeral.
El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, and her remains are expected to be flown to Nigeria for burial.
The ICPC had detained El-Rufai since February 18 over allegations of financial misconduct and money laundering.
He was arraigned on a 10-count charge before a Federal High Court in Kaduna, which adjourned his bail application to March 31. El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, criticized the ICPC, calling it a “corrupt agency” and thanked supporters for their backing.
El-Rufai’s release has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some expressing sympathy for the former governor while others questioning the timing of his release.
The ICPC has not commented on the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s release.
