El-Rufai fasted, completed Qur’an, read 10 Books in detention — Associate reveals

An associate of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has shed light on how he spent his time in detention, revealing a period marked by religious devotion and intellectual engagement.

The associate, Bashir Garba Sufyan, disclosed via his X (formerly Twitter) account that El-Rufai dedicated his time in custody to fasting, studying, and writing.

“Alhamdulillah, Mallam is home with his family, friends and associates. The first thing he told us was that, since his detention, he had been fasting until yesterday,” Sufyan wrote.

He added that the former governor completed the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, read 10 books, and authored some writings during his time in custody.

El-Rufai has since returned home, where he reunited with family members and close associates following his release by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He had been in ICPC custody since February 2026 after earlier being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was interrogated over allegations of financial misconduct.

The ICPC subsequently arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, which adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31.

However, the anti-graft agency granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds shortly after the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him.

His son, Bashir El-Rufai, also confirmed his release, while political figures including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu have extended condolences to him over the loss.

The development has continued to generate mixed reactions, with some observers describing the episode as reflective of broader political dynamics within Nigeria’s elite circles.

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