‘They Planned to Arrest My Brother to Force Negotiation’ – El-Rufai

By Abah Margaret

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that security operatives plotted to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, in a bid to pressure him into negotiations.

El-Rufai made the claim in a video statement, revealing that his brother was unable to attend their mother’s burial over fears of arrest.

According to him, “My elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him. They believe that if they get him, I will negotiate.”

The former governor, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), did not provide further details on the alleged plot or the security agencies involved.

The development comes amid a difficult period for the El-Rufai family, following the death of their mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were later flown to Abuja, where she was laid to rest on Sunday.

Her death coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal battle with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which had earlier arrested and detained him over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

El-Rufai was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. The case was subsequently adjourned to March 31, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

He was, however, granted temporary release from ICPC custody to enable him attend his mother’s burial.