AN associate of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has shed light on his time in custody, describing a period marked by intense spiritual devotion and intellectual engagement.
The associate, Bashir Garba Sufyan, disclosed that the former governor spent much of his detention fasting, studying religious texts, and reading extensively, even as he faced legal battles over corruption-related charges.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) sighted by News Point Nigeria, Sufyan revealed that El-Rufai maintained a disciplined routine throughout his time in custody.
“Alhamdulillah, Mallam is home with his family, friends and associates. The first thing he told us was that, since his detention, he had been fasting until yesterday,” he wrote.
According to him, the former governor also completed the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, read 10 books, and authored some writings while in detention.
“He also completed the Holy Qur’an while in detention, read 10 books, and has written some as well. And you wonder why he’s great and undefeated,” Sufyan added.
El-Rufai was released by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he had been held since February 19, 2026.
His arrest followed an earlier interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was reportedly grilled for 48 hours before being handed over.
The ICPC later arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
At his arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, the court adjourned his bail application to March 31, 2026, after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence.
The former governor’s release came just hours after the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt — a development that has drawn widespread attention and sympathy.
Although the anti-graft agency did not provide detailed reasons for his release, allies confirmed that he had regained freedom and returned home.
His son, Bashir El-Rufai, also publicly confirmed the development, expressing gratitude for the support the family received during the period.
Following the death of his mother, El-Rufai received condolences from several prominent figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Despite his release, El-Rufai’s legal challenges remain unresolved. He has consistently denied all allegations brought against him and is expected to continue his defence when the case resumes in court.