Thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at the Abuja National Mosque on Sunday for the funeral prayer of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The ceremony drew a significant cross-section of Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership, following her passing in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday.
Her son, Mr. El-Rufai, was temporarily released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to participate in the rites. The presence of such a broad political coalition underscored the respect accorded to the deceased.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Also present were Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Traditional rulers included the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar. Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Muhammadu Sanusi II was also among the mourners.
President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the El-Rufai family, stating that the loss of a mother “is a pain unlike any other.” He expressed hope that the deceased’s memories and values would comfort the family.
In his tribute, Governor Sani described Hajiya Umma as a woman of “rare grace, moral clarity and quiet strength,” noting her life was defined by compassion, humility, and service. He prayed for her forgiveness and entrance into Aljannatul Firdausi—the highest paradise in Islam.
The large crowd of mourners, which included senior officials, business leaders, and family associates, reflected the wide influence of the matriarch. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief across political lines, highlighting her perceived role as a unifying figure. The funeral prayer concluded the public rites for Hajiya Umma, with subsequent burial arrangements handled privately by the family.
