Sh*cking Details Emerge: El-Rufai Fasted, Read Quran While Detained

The associate, Bashir Garba Sufyan, shared details of El-Rufai’s activities on his X account shortly after the former governor was released, noting that he remained focused on spiritual and intellectual pursuits while in custody.

According to Sufyan, El-Rufai continued fasting throughout his detention, completed the Holy Qur’an, read several books, and even authored some during the period. He described the experience as one marked by reflection and personal discipline.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had earlier detained El-Rufai on February 19, 2026, following his questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was later arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on a 10-count charge relating to alleged corruption and money laundering, which he denied.

While the court adjourned his bail hearing to March 31, the ICPC released him hours after news broke of the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, following an illness.

His release was later confirmed by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, as well as other associates, though full details surrounding the decision were not disclosed. Meanwhile, prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, have extended condolences to El-Rufai over the loss of his mother.