Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North, has disclosed that several prominent politicians called him to inquire about his father, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently detained. El-Rufai's son revealed that Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, and Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, along with their running mates, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, made the calls.
Nasir El-Rufai was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18, 2026, following investigations into his tenure as governor over alleged fraud. The former governor faced multiple arraignments across different courts from March to April 2026. He was charged with a 10-count money laundering case by the ICPC on March 24 and intercepted by the Department of State Services on April 1.
El-Rufai faced additional ICPC charges regarding rail and CCTV contracts in mid-April and was formally arraigned by the DSS in Abuja on April 23 over alleged communication interception. In May, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million and one surety. The judge delivered the ruling in a case filed by the DSS regarding an alleged national security breach and unauthorised access to a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser.
In June, Justice Abdulmalik refused to vary the stringent bail conditions in the DSS wiretapping case. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai said Peter Obi's calls were a lesson to him because he had been a strong critic of the former Anambra State governor. The lawmaker expressed gratitude to the politicians who called him, particularly Peter Obi, who consistently inquired about his father's well-being.
Bello El-Rufai shared his experience in a video, stating that politicians like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso called him to ask about his father's detention. He described the calls as a lesson in life, especially from Obi, whom he had previously criticised.
During his detention, El-Rufai is using the time to finish books, catch up on reading, and reflect on his situation. His son expressed appreciation for the concern shown by the politicians and used the opportunity to highlight his father's current situation.
The development highlights the continued interest in El-Rufai's case from prominent figures in Nigerian politics. As the case continues, El-Rufai's detention and the reactions it has garnered remain a subject of discussion in the country's political landscape.
Key points
- Top politicians inquire about El-Rufai's detention
- El-Rufai faces multiple charges and arraignments
- Son of El-Rufai shares experience of calls from prominent politicians
