Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has passed away.
Family sources disclosed that she died on the afternoon of Friday, March 27, 2026. Details surrounding her death remain limited as of the time of filing this report.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. In the emotional message, Bello announced the loss and called on the public to offer prayers for the deceased.
“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,” he wrote.
He further described the deceased as the biological mother of his father, Nasir El-Rufai, and expressed gratitude for the life she lived, while praying for the repose of her soul.
“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 soul of the parents we have lost. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers. Thank you,” Bello added.
Although the family has yet to release comprehensive details regarding burial arrangements, it is expected that Islamic rites will be observed in accordance with tradition.
The passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai marks a moment of grief for the El-Rufai family and associates, many of whom have begun to express condolences and solidarity following the announcement.
Hajiya Umma was widely regarded within her family and community as a matriarch whose life spanned decades of personal and societal change. While she largely maintained a private life away from the public spotlight, her influence was evident through her family, particularly her son, Nasir El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Her death comes at a period of heightened public attention on the El-Rufai family, as the former governor is currently facing legal challenges in different courts over allegations brought against him by anti-graft agencies. While the nature of the cases has continued to generate public discourse, observers note that the loss of a parent is a deeply personal experience that transcends political and legal circumstances.
Sympathisers and political associates have begun extending condolences to the family, describing the loss as painful and praying for strength for the former governor and his relatives during this period.
In many parts of northern Nigeria, the death of a family elder, particularly a matriarch, is considered a significant loss not only to the immediate family but also to the wider community. Such figures often play key roles in shaping family values, preserving traditions, and offering guidance across generations.
As tributes continue to pour in, attention is also expected to turn to funeral arrangements and prayers for the deceased, in line with Islamic customs that emphasise prompt burial and communal support for grieving families.
The El-Rufai family has appealed to the public to remember the late Hajiya Umma in prayers, asking that Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest.
Her passing adds to a growing list of notable losses recorded across the country in recent times, reminding many of the transient nature of life and the importance of faith, family, and legacy.
Further details are expected to be made available by the family in due course.
