Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has commended the Federal Government for granting a temporary release to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to attend the burial of his mother, describing the move as both humane and legally significant.
El-Rufai’s mother, Hajia Umma El-Rufai, reportedly passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. In response, authorities permitted the former governor who is currently in detention to briefly leave custody in order to participate in her funeral rites. The decision has been widely interpreted as a compassionate gesture by the government.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Adeyanju praised the authorities for balancing justice with empathy. However, he emphasized that such actions must be grounded in proper legal procedures, noting that El-Rufai was initially remanded in custody by a valid court order. According to him, any temporary release should also be backed by judicial authorization to maintain the integrity of the legal process.
He further clarified that granting bail or temporary release in such circumstances should not be mistaken for an attempt to evade accountability. Instead, he described it as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in exceptional cases, particularly those involving critical family obligations such as bereavement.
El-Rufai’s legal troubles stem from a series of controversial allegations and public statements he made after leaving office. His criticisms of political actors, governance structures, and security institutions reportedly triggered investigations by federal authorities. In addition, anti-corruption agencies have accused him of financial misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure.
Following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, a court ordered his remand pending further proceedings. His temporary release, therefore, represents a rare intersection of legal enforcement, political tension, and humanitarian consideration. Observers note that while such allowances are not unprecedented in Nigeria’s justice system, they remain subject to strict legal oversight and conditions.
