Bello El-Rufai Reveals Politicians Who Have Been Checking on His Detained Father

(Mohammed Bello El-Rufai. Photo Credit: OsunDefender)

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi have been checking on the condition of his father, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently detained.

Bello also revealed that other prominent politicians, including former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, had contacted him to ask about his father’s condition.

Nasir El-Rufai has been in custody since February 2026 following investigations and criminal proceedings instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other authorities.

The former governor was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after responding to an invitation on February 16, before the ICPC took him into custody on February 18. The ICPC said the detention was connected to ongoing investigations.

The ICPC subsequently obtained a court-authorised remand order, citing investigations into allegations including money laundering and abuse of office.

The commission later filed charges against El-Rufai, including allegations relating to conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and conferring undue advantage.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In March, he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, over allegations brought by the ICPC.

The commission later filed an amended 11-count charge involving alleged corruption, money laundering and an N8.68 billion CCTV contract awarded during El-Rufai’s tenure. El-Rufai and the other defendants pleaded not guilty.

A Federal High Court in Kaduna subsequently granted El-Rufai bail in April in one of the cases, although he remained subject to other legal proceedings and detention issues.

Speaking in a video, Bello said the calls from the politicians had taught him a lesson about life, particularly his experience with Obi, whom he said he had previously criticised.

“Politicians like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Kwankwaso, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others called me to ask about my dad.

“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad.

And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” he said.

Bello said his father had also been using his period in detention to read, reflect and engage in religious activities.

“And for Malam, he is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran, so it’s also a moment for him in isolation to reflect, plan better, and tone down on things like that,” he added.

Bello’s comments come days after his father reflected on the silence of some of his former colleagues, friends and associates amid his legal troubles.

In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” published on his online page on September 23, El-Rufai acknowledged concerns over the apparent silence of people whom he had previously supported or maintained close relationships with.

El-Rufai said he had stood by people and causes over the years because of his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience, rather than in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity.

He added that those he had supported were now free to make their own choices as circumstances had changed, noting that some could speak out, remain silent, distance themselves or even deny previous relationships.

The former governor said the experience had given him an opportunity to reflect on some of his relationships and the expectations placed on people who look up to him.

He, however, said he bore no resentment towards those who had chosen not to publicly support him, stressing that his past decisions to stand by people were made because he believed they were right.

The development has placed the former governor’s relationships with political allies and associates under renewed attention, particularly as his son publicly named politicians who, according to him, have continued to make personal inquiries about El-Rufai’s condition.

“I Want To Personally Thank His Excellency, Peter Obi. He Kept Checking Up On Us. This Is Someone I Use To Criticize In The Past.”

~ Bello El-Rufai says pic.twitter.com/0vsA0dERmO

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) September 29, 2026