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, and urged the public to pray for her soul
- She was married to the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, elder brother of Nasir El-Rufai
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.
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.
Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai: Tributes pour in
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.
Aunty Safiya Ali Rufai: 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.
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.
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
Aunty Safiya's death come amid Nasir El-Rufai's ordeals with security operatives. The immediate past governor was earlier projected to 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 over El-Rufai's detention
Legit.ng previously reported that El-Rufai's family expressed concerns over his continued detention.
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 was no legal basis for the continued detention of the politician.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
