Breaking: Top Family Member of Ex-Kaduna Gov El-Rufai is Dead

Breaking: Top Family Member of Ex-Kaduna Gov El-Rufai is Dead

  • Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai, a prominent member of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s family, died on Sallah day after a brief illness
  • The family described her as a fierce, disciplined and compassionate matriarch, urging the public to pray for her soul
  • She was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai, and her passing marks another loss for the extended family

A prominent member of the family of former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has passed away.

The deceased, Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai, was reported to have died on Sallah day after a brief illness, according to a family statement.

Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai passes away on Sallah day after a brief illness.
Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai dies on Sallah day following a brief illness. Photo credit: @elrufai
Source: Twitter
“May Allah SWT bless the gentle soul of our mother, Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai. She sadly passed away today on Sallah day after a brief illness. Another reminder of the fickle nature of life,” the statement read.

Tributes pour in for respected matriarch

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Mohammed Bello El-Rufai announced her death via X on March 20.

He described her as a strong and compassionate figure, noting that Aunty Safiya was remembered for her discipline, devotion and motherly role within the family and community.

“She was fierce, disciplined, devout and compassionate woman. A mother to many. She was an ardent disciplinarian. She will be missed dearly,” the statement added.

Deep family ties highlighted

The late Safiya Ali Rufai was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, who was the elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai and a respected patriarch within the family.

Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai passes on after a brief illness on Sallah day.
Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai is reported to have died on Sallah day after a brief illness. Photo credit: @elrufai
Source: Twitter

Her passing marks another loss for the extended El-Rufai family, which has played a significant role in public service and national affairs.

The family called on the public to offer prayers for the deceased, seeking eternal rest for her soul.

“I implore the general public to pray for her soul to be elevated to the highest level of paradise. May Allah SWT bless the souls of all our loved ones,” the statement said.

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The death has drawn sympathy from associates and well-wishers, particularly as it occurred during the Eid celebrations, a period typically marked by joy and reflection.

Why El-Rufai may spend more months in detention

Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, has been projected to likely spend more time in detention than expected ahead of the 2027 election, according to an analyst, Omotayo Yusuf.

El-Rufai, who dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after he was denied a ministerial slot through Senate screening, reported to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his return to Nigeria.

Family cries out of El-Rufai's detention

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the family of Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, has expressed concerns over the continued detainment of their father and husband.

According to the statement signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of the former governor, and shared by Muyiwa Adekeye, a media aide to the embattled chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), there is no legal basis for the continued detainment of the politician.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944