Abuja based constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has applauded the Federal Government for granting a temporary release to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to enable him attend the burial of his late mother.
Hajia Umma El-Rufai reportedly died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Her passing prompted authorities to allow the former governor—currently in detention—to participate in funeral rites, a move widely seen as a humanitarian gesture.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is being held over allegations related to corruption and abuse of office.
His detention followed a court order after he was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), which argued that there were sufficient grounds to remand him pending further legal proceedings.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adeyanju described the government’s decision as compassionate but stressed the importance of ensuring it aligns with due legal process.
“The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release to attend his mother’s burial is both humane and commendable,” he said, adding that such actions must be supported by a valid court order, given that the former governor was remanded by judicial directive.
He noted that the move reflects a delicate balance between enforcing the rule of law and respecting fundamental human dignity, especially in sensitive circumstances involving bereavement.
Adeyanju further clarified that temporary release or bail should not be misconstrued as an attempt to evade justice but rather as a lawful accommodation in deserving cases.
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According to him, such gestures can reinforce public confidence in the justice system when applied transparently and within legal boundaries.
El-Rufai’s legal challenges stem from a series of high-profile allegations he made after leaving office, which drew scrutiny from federal authorities.
His criticisms of governance, internal political dynamics, and alleged misconduct within public institutions reportedly triggered investigations.
Subsequently, anti-graft and security agencies initiated legal action, citing both the seriousness of his claims and alleged financial irregularities during his tenure in office.
The decision to allow him attend his mother’s funeral underscores the intersection of legal procedure, political context, and humanitarian considerations—an approach that, while uncommon, has precedent within Nigeria’s judicial system under carefully controlled conditions.
Observers say the development highlights the need for a justice framework that remains firm yet responsive to human realities, particularly in cases involving personal loss.