El-Rufai Claims Security Plot to Arrest Brother, Bashir, Amid ICPC Case, Explains Funeral Absence.
Former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, in a move aimed at forcing negotiations with him, shedding light on why Bashir missed their mother’s burial.
Reports state that El-Rufai revealed this in a viral video defending his brother’s absence from the funeral of their late mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, last Friday and was buried in Abuja on Sunday.
The former governor, who is currently facing charges from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering, explained that Bashir stayed behind to avoid arrest.
Speaking in Hausa, El-Rufai said, “My elder brother, our eldest, Bashir El-Rufai, could not come with us. He is in Cairo. Because he, too, if he had come, they would have arrested him. If he gets arrested, I will have to negotiate. That is why we asked him to stay back while I come.”
He thanked mourners for their support, adding, “It is at a time like this that we know those who truly love us and are worried about us. May Allah also provide you with good supporters, just as you have supported us.”
In a separate development, El-Rufai has stepped up pressure on the National Judicial Council (NJC) for swift action regarding his petition against Federal High Court judge, Justice R.M. Aikawa, alleging bias and judicial misconduct.
In a second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, El-Rufai expressed concern over the Council’s prolonged silence.
Justice Aikawa is currently presiding over El-Rufai’s criminal case, which involves 10-count charges including money laundering, abuse of office, conversion of public property, and unlawful possession of public funds.
El-Rufai’s legal team had previously raised concern that Justice Aikawa was assigned to the case despite the existing petition lodged with the NJC.
